The foreign ministers of the nations belonging to the European Union, with the exception of Hungary and Poland, have sent a clear message of "unwavering" support and commitment to Ukraine in its war against Russia as they convened in its capital Kyiv Monday (October 2).
Officials familiar with the matter told Euronews that the unprecedented and unannounced meeting would review the bloc's support for Ukraine and discuss the peace formula proposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, among other matters.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the meeting was the first time EU foreign ministers convened outside EU territory, sending a signal that the bloc's support for the country remained steadfast.
"We are convening a historic meeting of EU Foreign Ministers here in Ukraine, candidate country and future member of the EU," he said on X, formerly Twitter. "We are here to express our solidarity and support to the Ukrainian people."
The meeting was held in Kyiv after the SMER-SSD party, headed by pro-Russia politician Robert Fico, returned to power after winning the most seats in Slovakia's general election last week with 23.3% of the vote. The election result could potentially increase tensions within the bloc as Hungary maintained warm relations with Russia.
We are convening a historic meeting of EU Foreign Ministers here in Ukraine, candidate country and future member of the EU.
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) October 2, 2023
We are here to express our solidarity and support to the Ukrainian people.https://t.co/zcv6agCcIy
Uncle Sam Backing Out?
The US, the UK, and the EU have been providing Ukraine with military and financial aid ever since the beginning of the war in February 2022, which was crucial as it enabled the country to withstand both the Kremlin's attack and a weakened economy.
However, there is now uncertainty regarding continued support to Ukraine, particularly with the US.
Washington has just averted an immediate government shutdown, and a growing number of lawmakers are questioning the White House's planned endgame for the war in Ukraine. Nevertheless, US President Joe Biden has reassured allies Sunday (October 1) of continued US financial support for the war effort.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told reporters that Ukraine held discussions with representatives of both the Republican and Democratic parties to ensure more help would arrive.
"The decision was taken as it was, but we are now working with both sides of the Congress to make sure that it does not repeat again under any circumstances," he added.
With this uncertainty in place, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said the EU must be ready to provide further help not only to support Ukraine but also "to send a strong trans-Atlantic signal" that the bloc was taking the situation on their own lands seriously.
