Brussels, Mar 6 (EFE).- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday expressed gratitude for the European Union’s continued , calling it a “strong signal” to the people and military of the war-torn nation.
“We are very thankful that we are not alone. And these are not just words. We feel it,” Zelenskyy said upon his arrival at an emergency defense summit in Brussels.
“It’s very important you (sent) a strong signal to Ukrainian people, to Ukrainian warriors, to civilians, and to all our families. And it’s great that we are not alone. We feel it and we know it. Thank you very much for everything.”
The EU summit comes after Zelenskyy’s tense meeting at the White House with US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance last week.
“During all this period and last week you stood with us and, of course, from all Ukrainians, from all our nation,” Zelenskyy said.
The President of the European Council, António Costa, welcomed the Ukrainian leader to the meeting.
“Dear Volodymyr, you are always very welcome here in Brussels,” he said.
He reiterated that the EU has ed Ukraine “since day one” of the war and would continue to do so, including during any future peace negotiations.
He said the security and defense of Europe and Ukraine are inseparable from each other.
“A stronger European defense will boost Ukraine’s defense, and a stronger capacity for Ukraine’s defense is also very important to boost our defense,” he added.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the EU was “facing a clear and present danger,” underscoring the need for greater defense preparedness.
“Europe has to be able to protect itself, to defend itself, just as we have to put Ukraine in a position to protect itself and to push for a lasting and just peace,” she said.
Von der Leyen reiterated the bloc’s commitment to “peace through strength” and announced the ‘Rearm Europe’ plan, which is expected to mobilize up to 800 billion euros for EU defense investments.
The plan would allow EU greater fiscal flexibility to increase defense spending without breaching deficit limits.
It would also enable direct investments in Ukraine’s defense industry and t military procurement to strengthen both the EU and Kyiv in its “existential fight for sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
“In extraordinary times, we need special measures,” von der Leyen said, reaffirming that Ukraine is “part of the European family.” EFE
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