EU leaders are gathering in Brussels for this extraordinary summit to discuss further aid to Ukraine and Europe's defense strategy. The meeting is a response to Donald Trump's latest move, in which the United States initiated peace talks with Russia without involving Ukraine or the EU.
The summit will address further assistance to Ukraine, the financing of defense expenditures, and European security guarantees.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is also attending the summit. In a prior letter to the European Council president, Orban urged the EU to engage in direct negotiations with Russia rather than deciding on further arms shipments to Ukraine.
According to the prime minister, the divisions among EU member states regarding the Russia-Ukraine war are so deep that they can only be resolved through unanimous decision-making.
The goal of the meeting is for the EU to establish a unified stance on handling the Ukraine conflict and shaping Europe’s defense strategy while taking into account the new foreign policy direction of the United States. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will also be present at the summit.
Macron’s Speech
On the evening before the summit, French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the French people. He stated that regardless of whether peace in Ukraine is achieved quickly or not, European nations must be capable of better defending themselves. Macron argued that Russia has turned the Russia-Ukraine war into a global conflict. In his speech, Macron advocated for more weapons and sanctions, emphasizing the need to strengthen Europe’s defense and enhance the continent’s independence.
Cover photo: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (Photo: AFP)
