Following the dispute between President Trump and Zelensky in the Oval Office, and the cutting off of military aid to Ukraine, an extraordinary summit was held in Brussels. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that with the “ReArm Europe” plan, they will not only rearm the EU but also arm Ukraine, which is engaged in an existential struggle. European Union (EU) countries gathered in Brussels for an extraordinary summit on European defense and Ukraine.
Prior to the summit, European leaders emphasized their continued support for Kiev. Von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, announced that she would present the “ReArm Europe” plan to the leaders, saying, “Through this plan, we will not only rearm the EU but also arm Ukraine, which is engaged in an existential struggle.”
Following a press conference with Von der Leyen and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, European Council President Antonio Costa stated, “Today, we are at a very important moment in the construction of European security within the European Union Council. If you recall, months ago we had a very significant brainstorming session and now we are here to make decisions and take concrete steps.”
He emphasized that European security and defense are intertwined with Ukraine’s security and defense. Following Costa, European Commission President Leyen said, “This is a turning point for Europe. It is also a turning point for Ukraine, which is part of the European family. Europe is facing an open and present threat.”
Leyen noted that she would present the “ReArm Europe” plan to the leaders at today’s meeting, adding, “The ‘ReArm Europe’ plan provides support of up to 800 billion euros for defense investments.” She expressed that through the plan, they will not only rearm the European Union but also arm Ukraine, which is trying to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity while engaged in an existential struggle.
Ukrainian President Zelensky thanked all European leaders for their strong support since the beginning of the war. Referring to the dispute with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office, Zelensky said, “Throughout this process and last week, you stood by our side.”
He added, “Not only in words but we feel it. The strong message you have given to the Ukrainian people, Ukrainian fighters, civilians, and all our families is very important.”