CNN reported that Josep Borrell, the European Union Foreign Affairs Chief, has reiterated to Ukraine that the EU’s backing is not contingent on short-term battlefield gains.
“Our support does not depend on the advances of one day. It’s permanent, structured support because we are facing an existential threat for Europe,” Borrell said at a news conference on Monday after his meeting with EU foreign ministers in Kyiv.
On Monday, the European Union’s foreign ministers arrived in Kyiv for an unprecedented meeting held outside the EU, marking the first time all 27 member states convened in this manner. It was emphasized that the EU’s support for Ukraine remains unwavering, regardless of the ongoing developments in the war over the coming days or weeks.
Josep Borrell, the EU’s Foreign Affairs Chief, praised the courage of Ukrainian soldiers confronting formidable Russian defense fortifications. He highlighted that satellite images indicate the depth of some Russian fortifications extending up to 25 kilometers (approximately 15.5 miles), as reported by CNN citing Ukrinform.
Borrell stressed the need for partner nations to supply Ukraine with improved and expedited arms support to enhance its success, as reported by Ukrinform.
Borrell’s visit to Ukraine began on Saturday and included a tribute to fallen soldiers in Kyiv. Subsequently, he conducted a face-to-face meeting with Ukraine’s Defense Minister, Rustem Umerov, according to CNN’s report based on Ukrinform sources.
Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dmytro Kuleba, welcomed the European Union Foreign Ministers for this historic meeting in war-torn Ukraine and reiterated Ukraine’s aspiration for permanent EU membership. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that active leadership and initiatives from Ukraine and its partners can increase pressure on Russia.
Furthermore, European Council President Charles Michel announced intentions to initiate discussions on the potential inclusion of Ukraine and several other countries into the EU as early as October, as reported by Russia Today.