European Union leaders will hold a special summit on March 6 to discuss the Ukraine war and European defense, European Council President Antonio Costa said on Sunday.
“We are experiencing a defining moment for Ukraine and European security,” Costa wrote on X. He underscored a collective determination among European leaders to reinforce defense and work toward long-term peace and security for Ukraine.
The summit comes after recent diplomatic initiatives, including French President Emmanuel Macron’s Ukraine meetings in Paris and his impending visit to Washington for talks with US President Donald Trump. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will also visit the White House later this week.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a striking statement on Sunday, expressing his willingness to step down if it would guarantee peace and Ukraine’s entry into NATO.
If there is peace for Ukraine and my leaving is needed, I am ready. I can trade it for NATO membership,” Zelenskyy stated at a press conference in Kyiv. He continued that he would like to see Trump as an ally to Ukraine, not only as a mediator between Moscow and Kyiv.
Before the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, Zelenskyy urged unity between Europe and the United States to achieve permanent peace. “We need the strength of all partners Europe, America, and all those who desire peace,” he said.
His words came amid Ukraine’s largest Russian drone raid on the war so far, putting pressure on the diplomatic initiative to bring peace. The future EU summit will revolve around deepening military assistance and making a long-term Ukrainian security plan.
