EU leaders pledge support for Ukraine in Kiev

The EU's new foreign policy leader began his term with a symbolic visit to Ukraine, which has been attacked by Russia. EU Council President Antonio Costa and chief diplomat Kaya Karas met President Volodymyr Zelensky and several ministers in the capital Kiev and assured them of their support.

Former Portuguese Prime Minister Costa said: “We are here to send a clear message: we support Ukraine and will continue to fully support Ukraine.” This includes humanitarian, financial, military and diplomatic assistance.

The themes of this symbolic visit are as follows:

Aiming to join the EU

Specifically, Costa promised Ukraine to make rapid progress in joining the EU. He said they would work together to launch accession negotiations in at least two areas in the first half of next year. Gradual integration has already begun in various policy areas, such as roaming for cheap mobile phones abroad.

€1.5 billion monthly support

Costa also assured Ukraine that the EU would provide further financial assistance and remain firmly committed to the 15th Russian sanctions package. He said that starting next year, the goal is to provide 1.5 billion euros per month, supported by proceeds from Russia's frozen assets in the EU. In addition, further sanctions will increase pressure on Russia's economy and weaken Russia's ability to wage war.

Shortly before this, 63-year-old Costa officially took over the position of president of the European Council, which is the body of heads of state and government of EU countries, at midnight. Previously, Belgian Charles Michel had exercised power for five years. Karas, the former head of Estonia's government, started serving as EU foreign affairs representative at the same time as his successor, Spaniard Josep Borrell. Both positions were reassigned after the European elections in June.

The situation on the front lines is “very, very serious”

The visit of the two EU leaders comes at a particularly difficult time for Ukraine. Ukrainian troops are under increasing pressure, especially in eastern Ukraine, and are having to abandon positions on an almost daily basis. A lack of soldiers on the Ukrainian side is believed to be the main reason.

At the same time, there is uncertainty about whether U.S. support will continue in its current form under Donald Trump. If this is not the case, European countries will have to significantly increase military aid to enable Ukraine to continue its defense struggle.

During his trip to Kiev, EU Foreign Affairs Representative Karas told the German news agency and other international media that it was crucial for Ukraine that Europe showed that it was on Ukraine's side. The situation on the battlefield in Ukraine is “very, very serious.”

EU foreign policy chief appeals to US

Karas urgently warned of the possible consequences given that Ukraine could be forced to negotiate a ceasefire by withdrawing military aid. Russian President Vladimir Putin has not changed his goals. If someone simply said, “Well, take the territories you conquered,” that would not only strengthen Russia, but also its allies China, North Korea, and Iran. “If the United States is worried about China, it should also be worried about Russia,” Karas said, alluding to China being viewed by the United States as the biggest security threat.

Discussions about possible NATO membership

Karas said that joining NATO is the strongest security guarantee for Ukraine after the ceasefire. “If Ukraine decides to draw a border somewhere, the question arises: how do we ensure peace so that Putin doesn't push further and doesn't take additional measures,” she explained. NATO membership certainly needs discussion. There is no other clear choice.

Zelensky made it clear in a recent interview that Ukraine could agree to a ceasefire with Russia if NATO extends protection to areas of Ukraine controlled by Kiev. In an interview with British television channel Sky News, Zelensky said his country needed assurances that “Putin will not come back” if there is a ceasefire.

Zelensky: NATO membership is limited to all regions

Zelensky added on Sunday that he did not think it was possible to extend an invitation to join NATO to only part of Ukraine. Because this would be tantamount to admitting the loss of the areas currently controlled by Russia. “Ukraine will never agree to this,” Zelensky stressed.

Costa and Karas visited Kiev accompanied by the new EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos. She will be responsible for EU accession negotiations with Ukraine in the coming years. How long they will last and whether they will be successful remains to be seen. (Sudan Development Authority/Department of Political Affairs/New Zealand National Alliance)

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