During meetings with European Union leaders in Brussels today, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the United States and Europe to cooperate in stopping Russia, amid concerns that a possible withdrawal of U.S. aid to Kyiv could undermine Ukraine’s efforts in the war against Russia.
European leaders insisted that any initiative to end the war in Ukraine must involve Kyiv and respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
President Zelensky said on Thursday that only the alliance between the United States and Europe could stop Russia and save his country, in a message addressed to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, amid his calls for an end to the war.
“The unity between the United States, the European Union, and European countries is very necessary. We need this unity to achieve peace, and I think only together can the United States and Europe truly stop Putin and save Ukraine,” President Zelensky stated before delivering a speech to EU leaders at the start of the EU summit, which is being dominated by the war in Ukraine.
European diplomats say the EU leaders aim to send a clear message to Trump about their continued support for Ukraine. They will stress that Ukraine must be involved in any potential peace agreement and that such an agreement should respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
The new President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, said the war “is not just about Ukraine and the European Union, but about international law.” He added that the EU would be committed to a fair and lasting peace.
“We need to be very clear when it comes to Ukraine. We will support you fully with everything we have at our disposal, for as long as it takes. Now, during the war, and in the future, in peace. We want to welcome you one day here as a member of the European Union,” he declared.
President-elect Trump has repeatedly called for a swift end to the war. Earlier this week, he said President Zelensky should be prepared for a peace deal with Russian President Putin, although it is unclear whether this would involve Ukraine ceding territory to Moscow as part of a solution.
Russian forces currently occupy a fifth of Ukraine and are advancing in its eastern part.
The EU’s draft declaration emphasizes that “Russia must not win,” adding that no initiative for Ukraine should be taken without Kyiv’s participation.
President Zelensky’s participation in the EU summit follows talks he held with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and other European leaders on Wednesday, aimed at securing immediate aid for Kyiv and long-term security guarantees, VOA reports.
While European leaders say they are focused on Ukraine’s immediate needs, some officials have already begun discussing what security measures for Ukraine will look like after the war ends.
EU leaders are also expected to discuss other issues, including relations with the United States, amid concerns over a potential trade war between them.
