EU Leaders Affirm United Support for Ukraine and Strengthening Defence Capabilities

The European Union remains firmly united in its support for Ukraine, as emphasized during a meeting between Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and European Council President António Costa. Their discussions, held in preparation for the extraordinary European Council meeting on 6 March, focused on continued assistance to Ukraine and the need to strengthen Europe’s defence capabilities.

The EU reaffirmed its commitment to Ukraine with the recent adoption of a new package of sanctions against Russia, signaling continued pressure on Moscow. Strengthening defence, including securing the EU’s eastern borders, is among the priorities of the upcoming Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU, and leaders underscored the importance of a coordinated approach among Member States.

Following the meeting, Prime Minister Tusk emphasized the significance of Ukraine in Europe’s security framework:

“The next European Council will focus on helping Ukraine and strengthening our security. After everything that is happening in the world, European unity around Ukrainian affairs is an absolute necessity.”

European Security and Defence Cooperation

As part of a broader effort to ensure stability, EU leaders are preparing for potential peace negotiations, aiming for a lasting and just resolution to the conflict. Security guarantees for Ukraine and holding Russia accountable are central to these discussions.

The Polish Presidency’s motto, “Security, Europe!”, reflects the growing focus on defence and stability. President Costa highlighted this during the talks, stating:

“Our priority is to ensure collective defence and security across Europe.”

Regardless of future diplomatic efforts, Europe must bolster its defence capabilities. The European Commission has introduced proposals to enhance military readiness, a key topic for the special European Council session on 6 March.

“The European Commission is presenting a package of proposals to strengthen defence capabilities in Europe. This is why we are convening a special European Council meeting next week,” Costa announced.

Poland’s Role in European Defence Strategy

Poland has been recognized as a model for responsible defence spending, with other EU nations increasingly considering the use of frozen Russian assets to finance security initiatives. Prime Minister Tusk pointed out the shift in discussions, noting:

“The fact that some European countries are now openly talking about using frozen Russian assets shows that security is becoming a real EU priority.”

Ensuring the protection of the EU’s eastern border is also central to Poland’s approach. Both Tusk and Costa agreed that securing this region is vital for European stability. Poland will continue advocating for projects such as the East Shield, a defence initiative aimed at strengthening the eastern flank of the EU.

“Russia is not just a threat to Ukraine but to European security as a whole, particularly for Poland, Romania, the Baltic States, and the entire eastern flank of the EU,” said Costa.

Upcoming Diplomatic and Defence Meetings

Before the extraordinary European Council meeting, a group of European leaders will convene in London to discuss common defence plans. Additionally, a videoconference is scheduled for tomorrow with EU heads of state, where French President Emmanuel Macron will provide an update on his visit to the United States and his meeting with President Donald Trump.

With discussions intensifying across European capitals, Ukraine remains at the center of EU security strategy, reinforcing the bloc’s commitment to stability, defence cooperation, and long-term support for Kyiv.

Photo: Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President of the European Council António Costa