Foreign politicians repeatedly travel to Ukraine – for security reasons, the trips are kept secret beforehand. But such a large group of ministers as now has never come to the Ukrainian capital.
To support Ukraine, the foreign ministers of the EU states traveled to Kiev this Monday for a historic meeting. It is the first time that there has been such a meeting of representatives of all 27 EU states outside the EU, said EU Foreign Affairs Representative Josep Borrell.
Since Russia invaded the neighboring country in February 2022, such a large group of high-ranking foreign politicians has never come to Kiev. This is Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock’s second visit to Ukraine in just a few weeks. “Good morning, Kiev!” she wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday morning.
As was usual during the Russian war of aggression, the trip was not announced in advance for security reasons.
Foreign Minister in Ukraine: EU Foreign Affairs Representative Borrell proposes long-term support
As a topic for the EU meeting, Borrell mentioned his proposal to make longer-term financing commitments for military aid to Ukraine and to use EU money to support the delivery of modern fighter jets and missiles. He wants to mobilize five billion euros annually from 2024 to the end of 2027. A decision is not expected in Kiev, the Spaniard said on Sunday. Such informal ministerial meetings are about political discussions.
European support is also important at a time when US aid funding is in limbo because of a budget dispute in Washington.
The meeting is also likely to focus on Ukraine’s EU accession prospects. The country has been officially a candidate for membership since June 2022. However, the 27 EU states still have to decide unanimously about whether to start negotiations. There should be a positive vote if Ukraine has met certain requirements. This includes a stronger fight against corruption.
The Ukraine war in numbers
War costs: 250 billion euros, refugees: 23 million, dead civilians: 9,000
Baerbock was last in Ukraine on September 11th. While ministers from most EU countries traveled to Kiev, a deputy foreign minister was announced from the important neighboring country Poland. The close relationship is currently strained due to a Polish import ban on Ukrainian grain. Even from Hungary, which is friendly to Russia, only one high-ranking diplomat was expected.
Source: Stern
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