Europe stands united towards Ukraine – this signal should come from a visit by the EU foreign ministers to Kiev. But the supporters’ front also has gaps.
During a historic joint visit to Kiev, the foreign ministers of the EU countries sent a signal of support for Ukraine, which was attacked by Russia. For the first time, representatives of all 27 EU states met outside the European Union, said Foreign Affairs Officer Josep Borrell. The ministers discussed the situation in view of the Russian invasion and the EU’s support for Ukraine.
“Our common victory depends directly on our cooperation,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told the ministerial group. He called for further sanctions against the aggressor Russia. The strong Russian air strikes demonstrated that the punitive measures adopted by Europe were not yet enough. All deliveries that could benefit Russian armaments would have to be stopped. “This is clearly in the interests not only of Ukraine, but also of everyone worldwide who wants an end to the war as quickly as possible,” Zelensky said.
Although the political signal was strong, EU politicians had to contend with signs of crumbling support for Ukraine. In the USA, financial aid for Kiev is pending due to the internal budget dispute.
Is Slovakia following the same course as Hungary?
In the EU, Russia-friendly Hungary is blocking aid to Ukraine. After the election in Slovakia, the winner Robert Fico could take a similar course to Viktor Orban in Hungary. The dispute between close allies Poland and Ukraine has deepened. Poland’s Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau did not go to Kiev, but sent a deputy.
Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock reiterated her call for a “winter protection umbrella” for Ukraine. This includes expanding air defense, supplying electricity generators and strengthening the energy supply, said the Green politician. Last winter, Russia tried to force the Ukrainians down with systematic attacks on energy supplies. It was the minister’s second visit to Kiev in just a few weeks.
Baerbock reiterated the EU’s promise to admit Ukraine into the community of states with its current 27 members at an as yet undetermined date. “The future of Ukraine lies in the European Union, in this community of freedom. And it will soon stretch from Lisbon to Luhansk.” Ukraine has officially been a candidate for membership since June 2022. However, the EU states still have to decide unanimously about whether to start negotiations.
EU membership “a question of time”
Like EU chief diplomat Borrell, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba also called the meeting historic: It took place outside the current EU borders, “but within the future EU borders.” Kuleba was confident about EU membership. “It’s just a matter of time,” he said. Ukraine is in the process of implementing all the reforms requested by Brussels.
The foreign ministers arrived in Kiev on Monday by night train. As was usual during the Russian war of aggression, the trip was not announced in advance for security reasons. Since Russia invaded the neighboring country in February 2022, never before has such a large group of high-ranking foreign politicians arrived.
Borrel called the meeting a strong signal to Russia. “We will not be intimidated by your missiles or drones,” he said. The EU foreign policy chief has suggested promising Ukraine money for armaments in the long term and also using EU money to finance the delivery of modern fighter jets and missiles. He wants to mobilize five billion euros annually from 2024 to the end of 2027.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said his country supported the proposal. With a view to the possible decline in US aid to Ukraine, he said that, in his view, Europe is already doing its part. But you have to be prepared to do more. The US Congress passed an interim budget at the weekend that does not provide any money for Ukraine.
USA reiterates support
Ukraine is talking to the Republicans and Democrats about aid, said Kuleba. “The United States understands that there is much more at stake in Ukraine than just Ukraine.” According to information from Washington, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called his Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umjerov to reiterate US support for Ukraine and discuss military aid priorities.
Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot said Ukrainians should continue to be supported with good weapons and ammunition because they fought for the freedom of all of Europe. “This is not just the war of the Ukrainians, but also a war of Europe as a continent,” she emphasized.
Finland knows how difficult it is to build a democratic and open society next to a neighbor like Russia, said Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen from Helsinki. “It is therefore all the more important for us Finns to support the Ukrainians on their path to the European Union and NATO one day.”
Hungary also represented in Kyiv
Hungary’s Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó was also represented in Kiev. His country is blocking EU money intended to finance weapons and equipment for the Ukrainian armed forces. According to diplomats, the government in Budapest is protesting against the fact that Ukraine has placed the Hungarian OTP Bank on a list of supporters of the Russian war of aggression.
Shortly before the meeting in Kiev, there was hope in Brussels that the dispute could be resolved through a compromise and that funds could be released. Specifically, it is about a further 500 million euros from the so-called European Peace Facility. This is an EU financing instrument that can be used to strengthen armed forces in partner countries.
On the sidelines of the ministerial meeting, Baerbock remembered the victims of the mass murder of the Jewish population in 1941. She visited the Babyn Yar memorial. The National Socialists shot dead in the ravine on the former outskirts of Kiev on 29/30. September 1941 more than 33,000 Jewish men, women and children.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
