EU security pledges: Selenskyj expects comprehensive aid
Ukrainian President Zelensky emphasized in an online service X: "For the first time, all 27 EU member states commit to providing comprehensive support to Ukraine, regardless of internal institutional changes." This is an important step towards "peace" for his country, Zelensky stated. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) spoke of a "sign of solidarity in difficult times".
With the agreement, the EU guarantees Ukraine "continuous political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic support," as stated in the agreed draft that AFP has access to. This will be "as long and as intensive as necessary".
In case of a new Russian large-scale attack, consultations at the highest level are planned within 24 hours. The agreement is valid for ten years according to a high-ranking EU official. Ukraine, in turn, undertakes comprehensive reforms. EU accession talks with Ukraine began on Tuesday.
Zelensky signed bilateral agreements with Estonia and Lithuania in Brussels as well. Now, 19 countries, plus the EU, have given security guarantees to Ukraine. Among them are the USA, Germany, and France. The guarantees aim to protect Ukraine against Russia before the country joins NATO and the EU and military support clauses take effect.
At the summit's start, Zelensky consulted with heads of state and government about the situation in the Russian aggression war and further support. In Brussels, he welcomed the EU's decision to pay out the first tranche of 1.4 billion euros to Ukraine from frozen Russian assets' interest income.
European Council President Charles Michel called it an "important step" that the G7 countries have pledged a loan of 50 billion euros to Ukraine. This loan, financed by frozen Russian assets' interest income, should be available by the end of the year.
Zelensky warned Europeans against easing sanctions against Russia. He intends to discuss this "risk" with partners, he emphasized. The EU had passed a 14th sanctions package against Russia just before the summit. However, under German pressure, passages for sanctions evasion via third countries were weakened. Berlin justified this with negative consequences for German companies.
- The Security Agreement signed with Ukraine by the EU member states includes promises of continuous support in various sectors, such as politics, finance, economics, humanitarian aid, militarily, and diplomatically.
- Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, highlighted the significance of this Security Agreement, emphasizing that all 27 EU member states are committed to providing comprehensive support to Ukraine, regardless of internal institutional changes.
- During the agreement signing ceremony in Brussels, Zelensky also signed bilateral agreements with Estonia and Lithuania, increasing the number of countries offering security guarantees to Ukraine to 21, including the EU.
- Germany, under the leadership of Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), is among the countries that have given security guarantees to Ukraine to protect it against potential threats from Russia before its potential EU and NATO membership.
- Rhea highlighted the importance of maintaining sanctions against Russia in light of the ongoing situation, expressing concern about the potential risk of easing sanctions and its potential impact on Ukraine's security and stability.
- Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, and Charles Michel, the President of the European Council, commended the multilateral agreement as an important step towards upholding EU security commitments and providing much-needed support to Ukraine.
- In response to Zelensky's warnings about easing sanctions, the EU maintained its stance, passing a 14th sanctions package against Russia just before the summit, despite pressure from Germany to weaken certain provisions that could potentially impact German companies.
