European powers pledge 'ironclad' support for Ukraine

BERLIN

Foreign ministers from major European nations declared their “steadfast solidarity” with Ukraine on Thursday, promising enhanced military and economic support after more than 1,000 days of conflict.

The joint declaration, issued by foreign ministers of Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the UK, alongside the EU's foreign policy chief, comes at what they termed “a watershed moment” in Russia's war against Ukraine.

“Ukraine must prevail,” the ministers declared in their statement, issued after their Berlin meeting with Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha. “The goals of a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace for Ukraine and enduring security for Europe are inseparable,” they emphasized.

The ministers strongly condemned Russia's recent military escalation, including “brutal and deliberate attacks against Ukraine's cities and critical civilian infrastructure” and the deployment of North Korean troops. They also denounced Russia's use of intermediate-range ballistic missiles in its attacks.

The ministers outlined plans to implement a G7 aid package of $50 billion to address Ukraine's urgent needs, especially military requirements. “We will increase military, economic, and financial support to Ukraine, including through additional European funding,” they announced.

The declaration also reaffirmed support for Ukraine's NATO membership aspirations and EU accession path, promising “ironclad security guarantees,” including long-term military and financial backing.

“There can be no negotiations about peace in Ukraine without Ukrainians and without Europeans by their side,” the ministers stressed, underlining their support for President Zelenskyy's Peace Formula as a credible path toward lasting peace.

“We reiterate our firm support for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter, with full respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” they said.

The meeting also addressed broader European security architecture, with ministers pledging to strengthen NATO and ensure fair burden-sharing within the alliance while building “a more secure and more united Europe,” according to the statement.

Thursday's meeting, hosted by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, came at a time of growing concerns in Kyiv that Western military support to Ukraine could diminish following Donald Trump's return to the White House in January.

Trump, who won the 2024 presidential election and will take office on Jan. 20, has repeatedly criticized US military aid packages to Ukraine and promised to end the conflict through diplomatic negotiations "within 24 hours" if elected. His stance has raised anxiety among European allies about the reliability of future US support, prompting a renewed commitment to Ukraine's defense.