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Brussels – Tuesday’s EU defense ministers meeting is the last with Josep Borrell as foreign affairs chief and also includes NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte as an invited guest. It takes place exactly 1,000 days after the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine.
How the EU should handle Donald Trump becoming president of the USA again in January is one of the main topics – and according to Borrell, not something the EU can just wait for.
“We can’t wait for Trump to decide. Our support (for Ukraine) must continue. We don’t know what will happen, but right now – today and tomorrow and the day after – people are fighting and dying on the battlefield. They are not speculating. They are risking their lives,” said Borrell on his way into the meeting.
Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson still feels strong support in the EU to help Ukraine further in the war – but emphasizes that much needs to be done.
“If we are persistent and take the necessary measures to support Ukraine, support the Ukrainian defense industry, and step up training efforts while also being willing to take greater responsibility, there are opportunities to be successful,” says Jonson.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was connected to the EU Parliament and thanked for all the support since February 2022.
He was immediately met with a long and warm standing ovation from an overwhelming majority of the members. He urged Europe to hold on.
“Don’t forget what Europe can achieve. Together we can surely pressure Russia into a just peace,” said the president.
(November 19)
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