In Brussels on Thursday, the European Union and its member states pledged to provide long-term security commitments to Ukraine. The agreement aims to assist Ukraine in defending itself, countering destabilization efforts, and preventing future attacks. It includes promises of economic, military, and industrial support, as well as assistance with energy transition and nuclear power safety. Additionally, the parties will share intelligence and satellite images.
The EU also announced that it will expedite and enhance the delivery of all necessary military aid to Ukraine. The annual budget of the Ukraine aid fund within the European Peace Fund for this year is five billion euros, with the possibility of additional investments until 2027. This additional capitalization will consider the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the advice of the Council of Member States.
In addition to providing military support, the EU committed to continuing its training support for the Ukrainian Defense Forces. The agreement emphasizes that EU enlargement is seen as a “geostrategic investment” in peace and security, and pledges ongoing support for Ukraine’s membership efforts. Ukraine agreed to intensify its reform efforts, particularly in strengthening the rule of law.
President Zelenskyi expressed satisfaction that membership negotiations between the EU and Ukraine have finally begun upon arriving at the meeting. He also expressed gratitude for recent decisions made by G7 countries concerning frozen Russian funds that will be used to repay a loan taken out to support the war in Ukraine. However, Zelenskyi voiced concerns about potential loosening of sanctions on Russian oligarchs and stressed the importance of preparations for future peace summits. He emphasized that this matter was not just important for Ukraine but for peace throughout Europe and beyond.
Overall, this agreement marks an important step towards ensuring long-term security commitments for Ukraine from its European partners while also demonstrating their commitment towards supporting Ukrainian sovereignty over territories annexed by Russia in 2014 through diplomatic means such as economic sanctions.
The agreement signed on Thursday in Brussels by representatives from both sides is aimed at strengthening ties between NATO countries and Russia’s neighbors in Eastern Europe.
According to reports from NATO officials present at the signing ceremony, Russia has been becoming increasingly aggressive towards its neighbors in recent years. This has led to a growing concern among NATO members about maintaining stability in
