Zelensky invited to EU summit on Ukraine security and defense

Thursday 27 February 2025 - 09:03

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been invited to attend a special European Union summit on defense on March 6 to discuss "security guarantees" for Ukraine, as announced by European Council President Antonio Costa. Leaders of the EU member states will meet in Brussels to focus on enhancing European defense capabilities and work towards an agreement on a new military aid package for Kyiv.

Costa emphasized the importance of establishing a new dynamic for achieving a "comprehensive, just, and lasting peace" for Ukraine. He stated that it is essential for EU leaders to exchange views on how to best support Ukraine and the principles that must guide future actions. Costa also mentioned that the EU and its members are ready to take on greater responsibility for European security and may be prepared to contribute to the security guarantees needed for lasting peace.

European Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas proposed that the EU's 27 member states pledge to provide more arms, including missiles, air defense systems, and artillery shells, as soon as possible. The specifics, including funding, will be discussed and finalized during the March 6 summit.

However, the discussions are complicated by Hungary's opposition to providing further military aid to Kyiv, especially amid ongoing talks between Russia and the U.S. regarding Ukraine. To date, EU countries have already provided Ukraine with approximately €134 billion in aid, with nearly €50 billion dedicated to military support.

At the special summit, EU leaders will discuss strengthening European defense with a focus on short-term decisions to make Europe more sovereign, capable, and well-equipped, according to Costa.