Brussels (TDI): European Union reaffirmed its “Peace through Strength” approach regarding Ukraine during the European Council meeting in Brussels on Thursday.
During the meeting, the Council discussed the latest developments in Ukraine and concluded that it will continue its unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
All European Union members except Hungary’s Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, backed the statement reaffirming “unwavering support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity.”
The “Peace through strength” approach requires Ukraine to be in the strongest possible position, with its own robust military and defence capabilities as an essential component.
“The European Union remains committed, in coordination with like-minded partners and allies, to providing further comprehensive support to Ukraine and its people, as it exercises its inherent right to self-defence against Russia’s war of aggression,” the Council said.
EU military support for Ukraine aims to strengthen the capabilities and resilience of the Ukrainian armed forces and to protect the civilian population from Russia’s war of aggression.
So far the EU and its member states have provided Ukraine with €49.3 billion. 👇#EUCO
— EU Council (@EUCouncil) March 20, 2025
During the meeting, the European Union member states applauded Ukraine and the United States’ joint statement following their meeting in Jeddah and called on Russia to show “real political will to end the war.”
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The European leaders also expressed their willingness to ramp up pressure on Russia by imposing further sanctions to weaken Russia’s ability to continue waging a war of aggression on Ukraine.
They asserted that Russia’s assets will continue to remain frozen until it ends the war on Ukraine and compensates for the damages it has caused.
Furthermore, the European Union welcomed the efforts that have already begun with the help of NATO to ensure “security guarantees” for Ukraine.
These efforts include enhancing Ukraine’s ability to defend itself effectively, based on the respective competencies and capabilities of EU and NATO member states, in line with international law.
The member states also reaffirmed their commitment to continue providing Ukraine with regular and predictable financial support and will take “necessary measures to frontload financing under the Ukraine Facility and the G7 ERA initiative.”
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They expressed their commitment to support Ukraine’s repair, recovery, and reconstruction, in coordination with international partners.
Since the start of the conflict, the EU member states have provided €139.2 billion in support of Ukraine and its people.
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the EU and its member states have provided €139.2 billion in support for #Ukraine and its people.
More information on EU solidarity with Ukraine ⤵️ https://t.co/I8DomGawqq #EUCO #StandWithUkraine
— EU Council (@EUCouncil) March 20, 2025
Out of the total assistance provided to Ukraine, 65% has been provided in the form of grants, whereas 35% has been in the form of highly concessional loans, the Council noted.
The Council also urged the members to increase the efforts to provide military assistance to Ukraine including the provision of large-calibre artillery ammunition and missiles, as well as the military needs elaborated in G7 ERA initiative.
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas supported President Zelenskyy’s request to provide at least €5 billion for the purchase of artillery and said, “The stronger they are on the battlefield, the stronger they are behind the negotiation table.”
However, all European members did not immediately endorse the call of President Zelenskyy to provide immediate funding.
Javaria Khalid is a Web Contributor at The Diplomatic Insight Magazine. She specializes in covering geopolitical developments, international relations, diplomatic, and socio-economic developments in Europe and Pakistan.
