Kyiv (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell reached Kyiv to reassure Ukraine of Europe’s support in the first visit by a top Brussels official after Donald Trump’s poll success.
Josep Borrell’s visit comes as Trump’s reelection is increasing situations in Ukraine and across Europe about potential shifts to US policy. During his campaign, the president-elect challenged the continuation of US military and financial support to Ukraine and even indicated that he could negotiate a rapid end to the conflict.
What message did Borrell bring to Kyiv?
“The message is a clear one – the Europeans will continue to support Ukraine,”
Borrell said.
“We have been supporting Ukraine since the beginning, and on this my last visit to Ukraine, I convey the same message, we will support you as much as we can.”
“Nobody knows exactly what the new administration is going to do,”
Borrell stated, pointing out that incumbent Joe Biden still has two months in capacity to make decisions.
“But we Europeans have to employ this opportunity to build a more robust and united Europe, and one of the manifestations of being united and being more powerful and able to act is our role in supporting Ukraine.”
How significant is US and EU aid to Ukraine’s stability?”
Europe together has disbursed about $125 billion on supporting Ukraine since Russia’s 2022 invasion, while the United States alone has spent more than $90 billion. Keeping the US, Ukraine’s single largest donor, onboard is noticed by most as key for ensuring Kyiv stays afloat, especially at a time of political tension in major European powers Germany and France.
On the battleground, Ukraine’s fatigued troops are labouring to stave off Russia’s advances as they close three years of full-scale combat. Borrell, who will meet top Ukrainian officials on his visit, expressed it was up to EU countries to decide “when and how to increase” their backing if needed. But he said that at a gathering of EU leaders in Budapest Friday “most of the member states were pressing on the same line, continue supporting Ukraine.”
