(Kyiv) The head of diplomacy of the European Union (EU), Josep Borrell, arrived in Kyiv on Saturday where he intends to reassure Ukraine of Europe’s support, on the occasion of the first visit of a senior European official after Donald Trump’s victory in the American elections.
Posted at 7:39 a.m.
The Republican’s victory worries Ukraine and Europe, who fear that Donald Trump will put an end to Washington’s support for Kyiv in its fight against the Russian invasion.
“The message is clear: Europeans will continue to support Ukraine,” Mr. Borrell, who is expected to leave office next month, told an AFP journalist who accompanied him.
We have supported Ukraine from the beginning, and for my last visit to Ukraine, I convey the same message: we will support you as much as we can.
Josep Borrell, EU foreign policy chief
During his campaign, Mr. Trump questioned the continuation of significant U.S. military and financial aid to Ukraine and said he could reach a quick deal to end the war.
“No one knows exactly what the new administration is going to do,” Borrell said, noting that outgoing President Joe Biden still has two months in office to make decisions.
“But we Europeans must seize this opportunity to build a stronger and united Europe, and one of the manifestations of our unity, our strength and our ability to act is our role in supporting Ukraine.”
Since the 2022 Russian invasion, Europe has spent around $125 billion to support Ukraine, while the United States alone has shelled out more than $90 billion, according to a study by the Kiel Institute.
Maintaining support from the United States, Ukraine’s largest donor, is seen by most experts as essential to allowing Kyiv to stay afloat, particularly at a time of political uncertainty among major European powers such as are Germany and France.
On the battlefield, weary Ukrainian troops are struggling to repel Russia’s advances as they approach their third year of war.
Mr Borrell, who is due to meet senior Ukrainian officials during his visit, said it was up to EU countries to decide “when and how to increase” their support if necessary.
He said that at a meeting of European leaders in Budapest on Friday, “most member states remained on the same line, namely to continue supporting Ukraine.”
