European Union leaders gathered in Brussels on Thursday for a special summit to discuss how to maintain unity in their support for Ukraine amid the suspension of U.S. military aid to the country.
This was the first European summit following last week’s tense meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump. At the end of the summit, all EU member states—except Hungary—endorsed the European Commission’s plan to strengthen the continent’s defense capabilities through a broad mobilization of resources.
Zelensky announced that he will travel to Saudi Arabia next Monday, a day before high-ranking officials from Ukraine and the United States meet in the country to discuss possible solutions to the conflict with Russia. On the social media platform X, the Ukrainian president explained that his visit aims to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. “After that, my team will stay in Saudi Arabia to work with our American partners,” he added, assuring that Kyiv seeks a “swift and lasting peace.”
During the summit, Zelensky thanked European leaders for their support and emphasized the importance of unity in defending Ukraine and Europe. “We are deeply grateful not to be alone. These are not just words—we truly feel it. Europe has sent a strong signal to the Ukrainian people,” he said upon arriving at the meeting.
Additionally, he expressed his gratitude to French President Emmanuel Macron for his support of Ukraine and his initiatives to strengthen European security in the face of the Russian threat. According to Zelensky, the two leaders coordinated their positions and next steps during a meeting on the sidelines of the European Council. He also confirmed that the countries continuing to provide military aid to Ukraine will meet on March 11 to enhance their security efforts ahead of future peace negotiations led by the United States.
Norway announced a significant increase in its aid to Ukraine for 2025, raising its contribution by 50 billion Norwegian kroner (approximately $4.5 billion), marking an increase of more than 160%. With this new package, Norway’s total support for Ukraine through 2030 will reach 205 billion kroner (roughly $18.7 billion). Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre emphasized that this aid will help Ukraine confront Russia and reinforce the peace plan promoted by Europe. “We are facing the most serious security situation for Norway since World War II. This is a strong contribution to stability in Ukraine and across Europe,” Støre stated.
Meanwhile, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof announced in Brussels a €3.5 billion military aid package for Ukraine for the coming year. Despite opposition from two parties in his governing coalition, Schoof emphasized that the measure has the backing of the Dutch Parliament. The funds will be allocated to purchasing drones, ammunition, and air defense systems—key elements requested by Zelensky to strengthen Ukraine’s defense. Additionally, Schoof supported European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s proposal to mobilize €800,000 for European defense through EU loans and the relaxation of budgetary rules.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated that Moscow will not back down from the “red lines” established over the past three years to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. During an event with foundation employees, he insisted that Russia will choose “the version of peace” that best suits its interests. “We do not need what belongs to others, but we will not give up what is ours,” he said, seemingly referring to the occupied regions of Ukraine that Moscow considers part of its territory.
In this context, Zelensky proposed a partial truce in the conflict, focusing on air and maritime operations. However, the Kremlin believes this initiative is merely a tactic to buy Ukraine time to rearm itself.
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