The head of EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell, assured Ukraine of Brussels' “unwavering support” on Saturday, on the occasion of the first visit by a senior European official to kyiv since Donald Trump's victory in the American presidential election. “The clear objective of this visit is to express the European Union's support for Ukraine – this support remains unwavering,” Josep Borrell, who is due to leave office next month, told reporters.
“No one knows exactly what the new administration is going to do”
Donald Trump's victory is causing concern in Ukraine and Europe, who fear that it will end Washington's vital military and financial support for kyiv in its fight against the Russian invasion. During his campaign, Donald Trump questioned the continuation of this aid and declared that he could reach a rapid agreement to end the war. “No one knows exactly what the new administration is going to do,” Josep Borrell said on Saturday, stressing that outgoing US President Joe Biden still has two months in power to make decisions.
“We must do more and faster: more military support, more training capabilities, more money, faster deliveries and authorization to strike the (Russian) enemy on military targets on its territory,” he pleaded. For months, kyiv has been asking its allies to authorize it to strike Russia with long-range weapons supplied by the West. But the latter refuse for fear of a new military escalation.
Maintaining support from Washington seen as essential
But, according to Josep Borrell, Russian President Vladimir Putin “does not want negotiations and will only negotiate if he is forced to do so.” 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 Washington's support is seen as key to allowing kyiv to stay afloat, particularly at a time of political uncertainty among major European powers Germany and France.
On the battlefield, Ukrainian troops, tired and outnumbered, strive to repel Russia's advances. On Saturday, receiving Josep Borrell, the head of Ukrainian diplomacy, Andriï Sybiga, reaffirmed that kyiv should not be forced into concessions. “Everyone needs to understand that appeasing the abuser won’t work,” he said. “We need real peace, not appeasement which will bring more war.”
Regarding Donald Trump's victory in the presidential election, Andriï Sybiga maintained that such changes “always represent a hope and a chance, a chance to bring peace closer.” He indicated that contacts had been established with the Republican's team after the phone call on Wednesday between Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump. Still according to Andrii Sybiga, work is underway to organize a potential new meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky.
