Von der Leyen on Ukraine's long-term security: First line of defence of our Union
Following her meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has stated that Ukraine must be given long-term security guarantees in peace talks as the EU's "first line of defence".
Source: von der Leyen on Х (Twitter)
Quote: "We reaffirmed to President Zelenskyy that the EU remains steadfast and committed to its principles. Ukraine's sovereignty must be respected. Ukraine's security must be guaranteed, in the long term, as a first line of defence for our Union."
Details: Von der Leyen noted during discussions on peace that "the EU remains ironclad in its support for Ukraine".
Quote: "Our financing proposals are on the table. The goal is a strong Ukraine, on the battlefield and at the negotiating table."
Details: Von der Leyen added that these priorities had been central to discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Quote: "Europe will keep contributing to all efforts for a just and lasting peace for Ukraine."
Details: European Council President António Costa echoed the key positions expressed by von der Leyen on his X (Twitter).
Rutte also commented on his talks with Zelenskyy and EU leaders, describing them as "good".
Previously: On the night of 8-9 December, Zelenskyy reported a "good and productive" meeting with Rutte, Costa and von der Leyen.
Background:
- Presidential spokesperson Serhii Nykyforov outlined the programme for Zelenskyy's official visit to London and Brussels.
- On 8 December, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed Zelenskyy, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron on the doorstep of 10 Downing Street in London.
- Zelenskyy said that during the 8 December meeting in London with Starmer, Macron and Merz, they had coordinated a joint diplomatic approach with the US, discussed security guarantees for Ukraine, post-war reconstruction and further defence support.
Read also: Security at a crossroads. How US and Russia push for a new European order through "peace" in Ukraine
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