Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – European Council President Antonio Costa had invited Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to the special summit of European leaders on March 6 to examine future backing to Kyiv.
“The EU and its member states are ready to take more responsibility for Europe’s security,”
Costa stated in the invitation letter to EU leaders.
“We should therefore be prepared for a possible European contribution to the security guarantees that will be necessary to ensure a lasting peace in Ukraine.”
Costa, who heads the EU summits, stated he aimed for decisions that would make the EU
“better equipped to deal with immediate and future challenges to its security”.
The European Union is scrambling to assert its position after US President Donald Trump distanced Kyiv and its backers on the continent by launching discussions with Russia to end the three-year war. Next week’s discussions in Brussels will concentrate on supporting Kyiv and strengthening Europe’s defences after Trump’s closens to Moscow.
How is the EU planning to support Ukraine?
Costa conveyed to leaders in an invitation letter that the “new momentum” about a Ukraine settlement “should lead to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace”.
The meeting seeks to build on the informal meetings held in February and make critical decisions on the matter.
“It is therefore important for us to exchange on how to further support Ukraine and on the principles that should be respected going forward … We should therefore be prepared for a possible European contribution to the security guarantees that will be necessary to ensure a lasting peace in Ukraine,”
He stated in a letter.
My invitation letter for the Special European Council of 6 March.#EUCO
— António Costa (@eucopresident) February 27, 2025
How is the EU responding to Russia’s ongoing aggression?
A month prior to this, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a meeting with the President of the European Council, António Costa. The Head of State expressed appreciation for the move by the EU to prolong sanctions on Russia by six more months.
One of the key points of the meeting was the foreseen 16th EU package of sanctions on Russia. Ukraine is counting on strong conclusions that will further determine the aggressor state’s capacity to continue the war. Volodymyr Zelensky and António Costa also focused on military support. The Ukrainian President emphasised that the development of Ukraine’s defence industry – most importantly, drone and long-range weapon production – is an emphasis that will contribute to the nation’s role in attaining a just and durable peace.
