EU Leaders Under Pressure to Protect Ukraine from Russian Airstrikes
BRUSSELS — The EU’s 27 leaders are facing increasing pressure to enhance efforts in safeguarding Ukraine’s skies from Russian airstrikes following President Zelensky’s criticism of Western allies’ “waning political will” over the past weekend.
As leaders gathered in Brussels on Wednesday evening, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the Netherlands’ caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte urged immediate action to provide Kyiv with the necessary air defense systems to counter the ongoing missile attacks from Russia.
Both leaders proposed that EU countries should assess their stockpiles and consider sending their own air defense systems to Ukraine.
“Given the devastating aerial attacks taking place, it is evident that action needs to be taken,” explained Scholz.
Rutte suggested that leaders should consider depleting their own supplies to assist Ukraine before seeking alternative sources for sophisticated anti-missile systems.
In the summit’s conclusions adopted later on Wednesday, leaders emphasized “the urgent need to provide air defense to Ukraine and expedite the delivery of all required military support.”
This call to action followed Zelenskyy’s criticism of Western allies for not offering Ukraine “maximum protection” from Russian missile strikes by intercepting missiles directly with their own aircraft, similar to the actions taken in Israel.
France, the UK, and the US swiftly came to Israel’s aid during a recent attack by Iran, showcasing the importance of cooperation in defense.
Addressing EU leaders via video-conference, Zelenskyy stressed the necessity for Ukraine and its neighbors to have the same level of security as seen in the Middle East.
Despite the support from Baltic states, NATO has refrained from implementing a no-fly zone over Ukraine, fearing direct conflict with Russia.
Leaders discussed the possibility of using windfall revenues from frozen Russian assets in the EU to support Ukraine’s military efforts and reconstruction.
The focus of the summit, initially on the EU’s economy and competitiveness, has been overshadowed by the urgency of the crisis in the Middle East.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda criticized the slow implementation of weapon deliveries to Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of timely support.
The EU’s failure to meet its ammunition delivery target prompted the Czech Republic to launch its own initiative, with other EU countries contributing to fill Ukraine’s ammunition gap.
During discussions, leaders explored ways to replicate the successful ammunition initiative for the provision of air defense systems.
Wednesday’s talks also aimed to accelerate plans to utilize funds from frozen Russian assets to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities. — Euronews
