Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for unity between the United States and the European Union to achieve peace in Ukraine during his arrival at the European summit in Brussels on Thursday.
"We need unity between the United States and the European Union to achieve peace, stop Putin, and save Ukraine," he stated, standing alongside Antonio Costa, the new President of the European Council. He added that it would be "difficult" to support Ukraine without American assistance.
"We must be very clear," emphasised Costa, presiding in his first summit. Ukraine can rely on the "full support of the EU, whatever it takes and for as long as necessary." Costa expressed his desire to one day welcome Ukraine as a member of the Union.
"We will work together for this and for achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace," he said.
Zelenskyy detailed his country’s urgent needs to address the war, including protecting the energy sector, particularly nuclear power plants, as Russia targets Ukrainian energy facilities. The Ukrainian president also seeks to boost domestic military production capacity.
Olaf Scholz, representing France due to Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Mayotte, stressed the need for the EU’s long-term support for Ukraine. "I would like everyone to reconsider what they can do for air defence, artillery, and ammunition so Ukraine can defend its sovereignty," said the German Chancellor.
Scholz also urged European partners to avoid discussions on Ukraine without the country’s involvement. Running for re-election in February, his top priorities are ending the violence in Ukraine and preventing an escalation into a war between Russia and NATO.
While the term “negotiation” has been mentioned more frequently in recent weeks, particularly since Donald Trump’s election in the United States, some believe that it is still not the right time for talks with Vladimir Putin.
"Opening negotiations too quickly would lead to a bad deal for Ukraine," noted Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief. She urged the EU not to underestimate its power, adding, "We are a great power if we act united."
"The current offensive stance of Russia makes it the wrong moment for negotiations," agreed Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda. "It would only result in an unjust and unsustainable peace."
Outgoing Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo called for increasing the EU’s military production capacity and maintaining financial support. He noted that Russia is struggling to supply its frontline troops with weapons. He did not see any clear signs of a US withdrawal under Trump’s next mandate.
