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Ursula von der Leyen: I support Donald Trump’s plan

by AI | 26.Feb 2025 | Europe in brief AI

The President of the European Commission supports the United States’ pursuit of peace in Ukraine – but only with substantial security guarantees for the country.

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen (center) and President of the European Council Antonio Costa (right) on site in Kyiv. Photo: Ansgar Haase/ENR Pool/dpa

Brussels – The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen supports President Donald Trump’s effort for peace in Ukraine – but only with substantial security guarantees for the country.

“Supporting Ukraine is in Europe’s own interest”, von der Leyen stated in written comments after her visit to Kyiv on Monday:

“Weakness in our response will only lead to more wars on the European continent and elsewhere. Therefore, I support President Trump’s initiative for Ukraine for a lasting peace agreement with security guarantees also backed by the USA”.

According to her, the EU’s strategy should now focus on further increasing its military and economic support to Ukraine, putting pressure on Russia, and gathering support elsewhere in the world as well.

She also envisions an “enormous increase” in EU countries’ defense spending, in three steps. First, member states should be allowed to invest in defense without being penalized by the EU’s tough budget rules. Step two is joint investments in, for example, air defense and drones, while step three will be to increase access to private financing.

Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson was also visiting Kyiv on Monday. He emphasizes that Ukraine’s ability to stand up to Russia has been built on the fact that “we are very united in our support for Ukraine” and strong transatlantic cooperation. When it is now being questioned, it is important that Europe “really shows that we are ready to do even more”.

(February 25)