EU leaders emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s involvement in decisions regarding its future during a summit in Brussels on Thursday. They voiced a united front insisting that no steps should be taken without Ukraine’s consent, especially as preparations are underway for U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to assume office in about a month.
The situation in Ukraine remains dire, with more than 1,000 days of conflict having severely impacted the country. Russian forces are making slow but steady advances in the war despite facing significant losses. The country’s energy infrastructure has been devastated, and the military is struggling to maintain adequate recruitment levels.
At the summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy received strong support from European leaders, who echoed a mantra that emphasizes the necessity of including Ukraine in discussions about its future and European security. With Trump’s anticipated return to the White House on January 20, concerns are mounting among European leaders about the potential implications for Ukraine, especially considering Trump’s previous close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Among the primary concerns is the fear that Putin could seize the opportunity to regroup and intensify conflict during Trump’s transition into office. Speculations regarding potential peace negotiations in early 2025 and the role of European peacekeepers have led leaders to exercise caution, wanting to avoid giving away their strategies. Their main focus remains on empowering Ukraine ahead of any negotiation overtures that might arise from Zelenskyy.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stressed the need for sustained and long-term assistance for Ukraine, stating there is a commitment to support Ukraine for as long as necessary. He highlighted the urgency for supplies like air defense systems, artillery, and ammunition. When discussing Trump, Scholz expressed cautious optimism about the potential for cooperative relations between Europe and the U.S., reaffirming that no decisions should be made that disregard the interests of Ukrainians and Europeans alike.
Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Luc Frieden reinforced the sentiment by asserting that every movement forward must involve Ukraine and occur within the framework of the European Union. He emphasized that the fate of Ukraine must be resolved in Europe, not dictated from afar.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof noted that it is crucial for Ukraine to determine the terms under which discussions might proceed, underscoring that the country has yet to signal any readiness to negotiate at this juncture.
The unpredictability of Trump’s actions has raised questions about parallels to his previous administration, particularly the 2020 military withdrawal agreement with the Taliban in Afghanistan. That move did not adequately take into account the Afghan government’s views, leading to a chaotic U.S. exit and subsequent takeover by the Taliban in 2021, leaving NATO allies in disarray.
While the EU, representing 27 nations, has provided substantial financial support—over 180 billion euros (approximately $187 billion) since the onset of Russia’s major invasion—its ability to deliver the military assistance needed for Ukraine to win is questioned. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy remarked on the necessity of unity between the U.S. and European nations moving into next year, stating that collaborative efforts are essential to effectively counter Putin and ensure the future of Ukraine.
“It’s very difficult to support Ukraine without American help,” Zelenskyy affirmed at the summit, illustrating the critical link between U.S. involvement and the ongoing support for Ukraine in its struggle.