Nearly 50 European leaders stress support for Ukraine at a summit in Spain. Zelenskyy seeks more aid

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At a summit held in the picturesque southern Spanish city of Granada, nearly 50 European leaders reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine. This collective display of solidarity comes at a critical juncture when there are concerns about the resilience of Western resolve.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of maintaining this unity, emphasizing the urgent need for increased military assistance to help Ukraine endure the challenging winter ahead.

Despite substantial political, economic, and military support, Ukraine continues to grapple with the formidable task of liberating its territory from invading Russian forces, resulting in a protracted stalemate. Zelenskyy underscored that wavering in the face of Russian President Vladimir Putin was not an option, particularly as doubts about ongoing support are emerging in the United States as well.

In his resolute address, Zelenskyy stressed the imperative of European strength in the face of global events. He called for a bolstering of Ukraine’s defense capabilities, including air defense systems, artillery munitions, long-range missiles, and drones. Zelenskyy unequivocally stated that the outcome in Ukraine would profoundly impact the fate of Europe.

This summit marked the third meeting of the European Political Community forum, established in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which reshaped the continent’s political landscape and challenged long-held assumptions about European peace and stability.

European support for Ukraine has assumed greater significance after the U.S. Congress passed legislation that funded the federal government but omitted billions in aid for Ukraine—a move supported by the White House. President Joe Biden’s recent outreach to coordinate with other world powers on Ukraine demonstrates the United States’ commitment, despite uncertainties regarding aid from a faction of Republicans seeking to curtail assistance to Kyiv.

“The main challenge we face is to preserve unity in Europe,” Zelenskyy emphasized, acknowledging recent developments such as the election in Slovakia, where a pro-Russia candidate emerged victorious, and Hungary’s reluctance to fully endorse Ukraine. The European Union, where decisions on Ukraine require unanimity among its 27 members, faces particular challenges in this regard.

However, the overall atmosphere at the summit was supportive. Hosted by Spanish caretaker Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, leaders expressed steadfast solidarity with Ukraine. Sánchez offered a new package of anti-aircraft and anti-drone systems, along with training for Ukrainian soldiers.

Both Zelenskyy and European leaders expressed confidence in continued U.S. support, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stating, “I am very confident of support for Ukraine from the United States. What the United States is working on is the timing.” Nevertheless, EU leaders acknowledged that while they would continue their support for Kyiv, it could never replace the crucial contribution of Washington’s assistance.

Zelenskyy warned that Russia would persist in its efforts to divide the West through information warfare and disinformation campaigns.

The European Political Community forum, being an informal gathering, does not make formal decisions, but leaders intend to utilize this format to foster better relations and address lingering or active disputes.

It was disappointing that President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan withdrew from the gathering at the last moment. Expectations were high for a potential summit-within-the-summit to address the crisis between Azerbaijan and neighboring Armenia, particularly the humanitarian tragedy of around 100,000 Armenians fleeing Nagorno-Karabakh. Instead, leaders plan to engage with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to show support for his government and seek to mitigate Moscow’s diplomatic influence in Yerevan.

Raf Casert reported from Brussels, with contributions from Aritz Parra and Ciarán Giles in Madrid and Joseph Wilson in Barcelona.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about European Unity for Ukraine

More about European Unity for Ukraine

• European Unity for Ukraine
• Zelenskyy’s Call for Military Aid
• Impact of Ukraine Conflict on Europe
• Challenges in U.S. Support for Ukraine
• Specific Military Assistance Requested by Zelenskyy
• European Leaders’ Support for Ukraine
• U.S. Support for Ukraine and Timing
• Zelenskyy’s Outlook on Russia’s Actions
• President Aliyev’s Withdrawal from Summit
• Significance of the European Political Community Forum