KYIV: European Union (EU) foreign ministers gathered in Kyiv on Monday signaled the bloc’s long-term support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict with Russia. The meeting, the first of its kind held outside the EU member states’ borders, aimed to express solidarity and support for the Ukrainian people during this challenging period.
EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, underscored the significance of the meeting, stating, “We are convening in a historic meeting of the EU foreign ministers here in Ukraine, candidate country and future member of the EU.” He emphasized that the purpose was to express unity and solidarity with Ukraine, although no specific concrete decisions were expected to be made during the meeting.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, welcomed the EU ministers and highlighted the historical nature of the event. “For the first time ever, the foreign affairs council is going to sit down outside of its current borders but within the future borders of the European Union,” Kuleba stated, expressing gratitude for the EU’s support.
Differences in EU Over Support for Ukraine
While the EU has remained largely united in supporting Ukraine throughout the 19-month conflict, concerns have arisen about potential divisions within the bloc. Hungary, a close ally of Russia within the EU, and Slovakia, where a populist leader has recently won elections, are sources of apprehension. Additionally, tensions have surfaced between Ukraine and some EU members, particularly Poland, regarding the influx of Ukrainian grain into their markets.
Addressing these concerns, France’s top diplomat Catherine Colonna reassured that the meeting was a signal of the bloc’s resolute and lasting support for Ukraine. She emphasized that the EU’s determination to support Ukraine over the long term was a clear message to Russia, asserting, “We will be there for a long time to come.”
Despite ongoing challenges, Kyiv’s forces continue their counteroffensive against Russian troops. Reports indicate a critical need for Western arms, particularly longer-range missiles, to regain territories occupied by Russian forces. Additionally, concerns have risen about Russia’s renewed aerial attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, a strategy that last year left millions without heating or water for extended periods.
In the latest developments, Ukrainian authorities revealed an attack on a missile factory in the western region of Smolensk, carried out by Ukrainian drones. The strike caused significant damage to the production facilities of the aggressor state, according to Ukraine’s military intelligence.
