The European Union has provided Ukraine with a record €27 billion in military assistance this year, underscoring its continued commitment to Kyiv amid Russia’s ongoing aggression.
The figure was announced by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, during a press conference following the meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council.
According to Kallas, the EU has also delivered two million artillery shells to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, significantly strengthening Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.
“Now is not the time to slow down,” Kallas stressed. “We must do more to reinforce Ukraine’s defense and its negotiating position, as Russia continues to reject a peaceful solution.”
Security Guarantees Central to Any Peace Deal
Kallas emphasized that EU foreign ministers clearly underlined the importance of credible and enforceable security guarantees in any future peace agreement—particularly in the context of discussions suggesting that Ukraine might be asked to abandon its aspirations for NATO membership.
She stated that the European Union will do everything within its power to ensure Ukraine’s long-term security and defense capacity, including:
- Continued military training
- Support for Ukraine’s defense industry
- Long-term strategic assistance
Ukraine’s Sovereign Right to Decide
Crucially, Kallas reiterated that any concessions made in the name of peace must be decided solely by Ukraine.
“Ukraine itself must decide what concessions it is willing to make for peace,” Kallas said, commenting on recent remarks by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding the possibility of reassessing certain strategic ambitions, including NATO membership.
She added that Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha did not provide further clarification on this issue during a video conference with EU ministers. However, Kallas highlighted an essential legal and political reality:
“We know that NATO membership is enshrined in Ukraine’s constitution. Therefore, if any compromise is considered, all EU member states and all partners, including the United States, must first provide Ukraine with very serious and tangible security guarantees—not just on paper, but in real practice.”
