By Janet Ekstract ISTANBUL-In a first for EU ministers, they chose to meet in Ukraine’s capital Kyiv to show solidarity for its fight for freedom against Russian aggression. As Lithuania’s Foreign Minister said: “The meeting’s message is that Europe is with Ukraine until its victory.” Analysts have commented on the historic nature of the meeting since it’s the first time an EU ministers meeting has met outside European borders. Top EU diplomat Josep Borrell told the press that meetings will be informal and at the center of the discussion is how the West can continue to support Ukraine. Also under discussion is the process for Ukraine to eventually join the EU with a decision being made as to whether Kyiv can open negotiations. EU ministers and representatives discussed ongoing military aid for Kyiv with most of the EU’s highest level diplomats in attendance. The last-minute surprise summit convened on Monday as a show of solidarity for Ukraine and to reiterate EU commitment for the war-torn country.Foreign ministers came from the European Union’s 27 member states. They were joined by representatives from Poland, Hungary, Latvia and Sweden. Borrell dubbed the meeting as a symbol of the EU’s unwavering support.
As Borrell told reporters: “This meeting should be understood as a clear commitment of the European Union to Ukraine and its continuous support in all dimensions.” Zelensky, addressing the ministers did admit that Ukraine relies heavily on aid from abroad, adding that “our victory explicitly depends on our cooperation.” The Ukrainian president commented on X, formerly Twitter, that the EU ministers meeting in his nation’s capital had “proved unity in support for Ukraine.” Borrell emphasized that the EU desires to keep Ukraine’s backers unified including in the U.S. and said that Russian aggression against Ukraine presents an “existential threat” to Europeans. He added: “And that’s why we have to continue supporting Ukraine, and discussing with our American allies and friends, for them, too, to continue supporting.” The current offensive Ukraine is waging against Russia is taking its toll especially as winter sets in which is why additional military aid for Ukraine is even more crucial.
