Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy plans to sit down with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte ahead of a dramatic European Union summit in Brussels. Zelenskyy is also due to attend the European Council meeting on Thursday, his spokesperson said.
During his trip, the Ukrainian president will also meet with the Austrian chancellor and Belgian counterparts to discuss regional security and military cooperation.
EU Leaders to Discuss Military Spending
Leaders of the European Union are convening for an emergency summit to discuss escalating security challenges, especially in reaction to Russia’s ongoing attacks on Ukraine. The summit will focus on higher military expenditure as Europe re-evaluates its defense policy.
The summit is at a delicate time for major shifts in US foreign policy by President Joe Biden’s predecessor, Donald Trump, who forced Europe to increase its own defense responsibilities and shift military support from Ukraine. This development has encouraged the leaders of Europe to move even faster in boosting defense capabilities.
Macron and Merz Warn of Urgent Security Risks
French President Emmanuel Macron has demanded “an incredible awakening,” calling on Europe to acknowledge the increasing dangers. Likewise, Germany’s new Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, cautioned that Europe is “five minutes to midnight,” emphasizing the urgency of the moment.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen seconded these fears, penning in a letter to EU leaders, “Europe faces a clear and present danger on a scale that none of us have seen in our adult lifetime. Some of our fundamental assumptions are being undermined to their very core.”
No Relief in Sight for Ukraine
Despite the senior-level talks, the session will not be centered on directly addressing Ukraine’s current military and financial concerns. Nevertheless, European leaders will be expected to map out long-term plans to confront mounting security concerns within the area.
