The European Union displayed its unwavering commitment to Ukraine during a historic meeting held in Kyiv, marking the first time EU foreign ministers convened outside the bloc’s borders.
This gathering comes amidst growing disagreements among EU member states regarding their support for Ukraine and as Kyiv’s forces make incremental progress in a high-stakes counteroffensive against Russian troops.
Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, emphasized the significance of the meeting, stating, “We are convening in a historic meeting of the EU foreign ministers here in Ukraine, a candidate country and a future member of the EU.” He further clarified that the purpose of the meeting was to express solidarity and support for the Ukrainian people, acknowledging that it was not aimed at reaching concrete conclusions or decisions.
Ukraine’s foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, hailed the summit as a crucial signal of European support for Kyiv, noting that it marked a unique occasion where the foreign affairs council met beyond the EU’s current borders but within its future boundaries.
While the EU’s 27 nations have maintained a unified front in their support for Ukraine throughout the 19 months of conflict, concerns have arisen about potential divisions within the bloc, as well as the support from key ally, the United States. Hungary, a close ally of Russia within the EU, may be joined by Slovakia as a potential obstacle to further support, given political developments in Bratislava.
Additionally, tensions have emerged between Ukraine and some of its staunchest EU supporters, particularly Poland, regarding the influx of Ukrainian grain into their markets.
France’s top diplomat, Catherine Colonna, aimed to address concerns of wavering support, emphasizing that the meeting sent a clear signal to Moscow about the EU’s unwavering determination to support Ukraine in the long term. She stated, “It is a demonstration of our resolute and lasting support for Ukraine, until it can win. It is also a message to Russia that it should not count on our fatigue. We will be there for a long time to come.”
Notably, the foreign ministers of Hungary, Poland, and Latvia did not attend the summit, citing illness. Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot underscored the importance of the meeting in showing solidarity with Ukraine.
The situation in Ukraine remains tense, with ongoing clashes and Russia’s persistent aerial attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Despite the challenges, Ukraine continues to seek Western assistance, particularly in the form of longer-range missiles, to regain territory occupied by Russian forces. Recent incidents, including the shelling of Kherson, casualties in Avdiivka, and a drone strike on a missile production facility in Smolensk, highlight the ongoing conflict’s severity and complexity.
