President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Brussels, where the summit of EU leaders is about to begin. He was met by European President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Speaking to the press, Costa said that Zelenskyy is always a very welcome guest. He added that the purpose of this meeting is to build European security.
"A month ago, we had a very important brainstorming session, and today we are here to make decisions and deliver," he said.
Costa added that the discussion will focus on optimising spending on our own defence capabilities. He stressed that Europe's security is inseparable from Ukraine's security.
"A strong European defence will improve Ukraine's defence. And a strong Ukrainian defence capability is also very important for improving our own security," Costa added.
He assured Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the EU will continue to stand with Ukraine and that Ukraine will become an EU member in the future.
Ursula von der Leyen said that Europe is facing a danger. So it must defend itself and help Ukraine to do so in order to achieve a just and lasting peace.
"We want peace through strength. That is why I am presenting a plan to the leaders of ReArm Europe today," she said.
The plan will help invest in Ukraine's defence industry and improve its own capabilities.
"We are arming the EU, but also Ukraine," the President of the European Commission explained.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked for such a powerful signal of support.
"We are very grateful that we are not alone. And these are not just words. We feel it. This is very important, you have given a powerful signal to the Ukrainian people," he added.
- Zelenskyy's participation in the EU leaders' summit comes amid Europe's efforts to increase support for Ukraine and improve its own defence capabilities. The efforts have intensified amid tensions between Kyiv and Washington, as well as signals from the US administration that the United States no longer wants to guarantee the defence of NATO states that do not meet their defence spending targets.
- Hungary is expected to oppose further support for Ukraine.