The EU is strengthening its role in the war against Russia: what does this mean for Ukraine?
фото: Генштаб
Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine is increasingly seen as a challenge for all of Europe, and the European Union is stepping up its role in supporting Kyiv. The EU has already agreed a financial aid package for Ukraine worth around €90 billion, but there are concerns about its adequacy.
This is reported by The Wall Street Journal .
As journalists note, against the backdrop of Russia’s intention to continue the war and the reduction of the active role of the United States in European security issues, the main financial and military burden is increasingly shifting to the European Union.
The agreement on the new loan package on the eve of the EU summit signaled consolidation within the bloc, despite previous political disagreements between member states. Previously, individual states had blocked decisions on financing Ukraine, which made it difficult to reach a common position.
Ukraine remains dependent on external support to finance its state budget and defense needs amid constant attacks by Russia.
“Stable funding from the EU could be a factor that would force Russia to consider the possibility of negotiations,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
A separate area of support is the expansion of Ukraine’s defense cooperation with European countries, in particular in the field of joint weapons production.
At the same time, the role of the US remains important, as Washington continues to supply air defense systems and provide intelligence that is difficult to replace.
The President of Ukraine also drew attention to the global strain on American defense resources due to other conflicts.
“We need the support of all partners without exception,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
Despite the adoption of a new aid package, the European Union is already discussing the possibility of further financial needs for Ukraine, as there is a risk of a new deficit in the coming years.
At the same time, political pressure remains within the EU from certain forces that oppose further financing of Ukraine, but the bloc’s leading countries continue to support Kyiv, considering it an element of their own security.
In parallel, discussions are ongoing in the European Union regarding Ukraine’s future membership, where interim integration mechanisms are being considered, while Ukraine insists on full accession.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with journalists and outlined the situation with EU funding , weapons supplies, and responses to Russian attacks.
As a reminder, the European Commission expects that the first funds under the new €90 billion loan package for Ukraine may arrive by the end of the second quarter of 2026.
By the way, the media reported that the new, 20th package of sanctions by the European Union will not contain a complete ban on the provision of maritime services to Russian vessels transporting oil and petroleum products.
Also follow “Pryamim” on Facebook , X , Telegram , and Instagram.