Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a passionate appeal to EU leaders, urging them to intensify weapon supplies to Ukraine and sustain pressure on Russia. This call comes as representatives from Kyiv and Moscow prepare for new discussions with U.S. officials next week.
As U.S. President Donald Trump moves forward with Russia in exploring potential resolutions to the conflict in Ukraine, European nations find themselves strategically weighing in. High-ranking military officials recently convened in London to discuss safeguarding any potential peace agreement. “Plans are coming together,” announced British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, reflecting the collaborative spirit of the so-called “coalition of the willing” surrounding Ukraine.
During a recent EU summit in Brussels, Mr. Zelensky addressed leaders via video, emphasizing, “Despite Putin’s words…nothing has changed.” He urged the EU to bolster arms deliveries and maintain sanctions against Russia, reiterating the need for decisive action. The Kremlin, he argued, must “stop making unnecessary demands that only prolong the war.”
In Norway, Zelensky revealed plans for U.S. and Ukrainian officials to meet in Saudi Arabia to advance U.S.-led initiatives aimed at ending Russia’s ongoing invasion, now into its fourth year. Russian officials have also confirmed their participation in the talks scheduled for Monday.
Both Mr. Zelensky and Mr. Putin engaged with Mr. Trump this past week and indicated a willingness to pause attacks on energy infrastructure for a period of 30 days. Yet, despite this tentative approach, hostilities continue unabated with both sides reporting a series of night-time drone strikes, raising questions about the feasibility of any long-term peace agreement.
In a twist during public discussions, Mr. Trump suggested that the United States could take over and operate Ukraine’s power plants. Mr. Zelensky was quick to dismiss this notion, articulating, “I cannot legally negotiate ownership of the occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station.” He added, “If they want to take it back from the Russians, if they want to modernize it, invest—this is a different question.”
President Putin has set the cessation of further Western military support for Ukraine as a non-negotiable condition for a long-term truce.
Meanwhile, approximately 30 military leaders from countries eager to help secure a lasting ceasefire are collaborating at a military base near London. Following their discussions, Mr. Starmer expressed optimism, stating that efforts are underway to transform the “political intention” behind security guarantees for Ukraine into tangible results. “Whether that’s in relation to what might happen at sea or in the air, those plans are coming together,” he explained to military commanders and British soldiers.
In tandem, Mr. Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are leading an international effort to oversee any potential truce, with both nations prepared to deploy their troops if necessary. However, Russia has firmly stated that it will not accept the presence of NATO troops in Ukraine, and Washington has yet to confirm whether it would provide a security backing.
Despite shifts in U.S. support, discussions are ongoing about providing Ukraine with additional air defense systems to counter Russia’s ballistic missile threat. “This is extremely important,” stated Kaja Kallas, the EU’s chief diplomat, who is actively advocating for EU member states to meet Ukraine’s request for two million shells valued at five billion euros ($5.4 billion), although no progress was reported during a recent summit.
In a White House briefing, Mr. Zelensky requested assistance from Mr. Trump to acquire U.S.-made “Patriot missile systems” to enhance Ukraine’s current arsenal supported by the United States, Germany, and Romania.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov questioned Europe’s commitment to ending the conflict, observing, “For the most part, the signals from Brussels and European capitals concern plans to militarize Europe.”
Overnight, Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 171 drones into its territory, resulting in fatalities and injuries in the northeastern regions of Sumy and Kharkiv. Conversely, Russia claimed to have intercepted 132 Ukrainian drones, reporting two injuries.
As the EU contemplates future defense strategies, Taoiseach Micheál Martin emphasized the importance of the recently published White Paper for European Defence, which calls for thoughtful discussion and reflection. “Our view is that Europe must respond strategically,” he indicated, particularly in light of its economic landscape.
The agenda for EU leaders is increasingly complex, with pressing issues such as the war in Ukraine, tensions surrounding Gaza, escalating violence in Syria, and the repercussions of Mr. Trump’s trade policies weighing heavily on discussions. Paschal Donohoe, president of the Eurogroup, will brief leaders alongside ECB President Christine Lagarde on the European economy, with an eye towards enhancing European competitiveness and advancing a capital markets union.
As Mr. Zelensky stated, “In collaboration, we can foster strength and security.” This sentiment resonates as leaders navigate the intricacies of the current geopolitical landscape.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
