Following the dispute between President Trump and Zelensky in the Oval Office and the cutting off of military aid to Ukraine, an extraordinary summit was held in Brussels. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that with the “ReArm Europe” plan, they would not only rearm the EU but also arm Ukraine, which is engaged in an existential struggle. European Union (EU) countries met in Brussels for an extraordinary summit on European defense and Ukraine.
Prior to the summit, European leaders emphasized their ongoing support for Kiev.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that she would present the leaders with the “ReArm Europe” plan, stating, “Thanks to this plan, we will not only rearm the EU but also arm Ukraine, which is engaged in an existential struggle.” With von der Leyen and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky holding a joint press conference, EU Council President Antonio Costa stated, “Today, we are at a very important moment in the construction of European security in the EU Council. You may recall that months ago, we had a very important brainstorming session, and now we are here to make decisions and take concrete actions.”
He emphasized that European security and defense are not separate from Ukraine’s security and defense. Following Costa’s remarks, European Commission President von der Leyen said, “This is a turning point for Europe. It is also a turning point for Ukraine, a part of the European family. Europe is facing an open and existing threat.”
She stated she would present the leaders with the “ReArm Europe” plan during today’s meeting, adding, “The ‘ReArm Europe’ plan provides support of up to 800 billion euros for defense investments.” Von der Leyen expressed that through the plan, they will not only rearm the European Union but also arm Ukraine, which is trying to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity while engaged in an existential struggle.
Ukrainian President Zelensky thanked all European leaders for their strong support since the beginning of the war.
Referring to the dispute he had with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office, Zelensky stated, “Throughout this process and last week, you have stood by our side.”
He added, “Not only with words but we feel it. The strong message you give to the Ukrainian people, Ukrainian fighters, civilians, and all our families is very important.”