The EU calls emergency meeting for European security and Ukraine, Von der Leyeen: A crucial moment

European leaders promised they would stay side by side of Ukraine and said they would spend more on defence.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyeen said this is a crucial moment for Europe and Ukraine.

“Europe faces a clear and tangible danger, and for that reason Europe should be able to defend and place Ukraine in a position to defend itself and promote lasting and just peace”, she said.

Lady von der Leyen proposed a plan that would offer up to 800 billion euros in defence investments and facilitate budget rules so that countries wanting to increase defence spending can do so.

President Zelensky expressed gratitude for the support of European partners.

We are grateful that we are not alone. And these are not just words. We think it's very important. You gave a strong signal to the Ukrainian people, to Ukrainian fighters, to civilians, to all our families, and it's a good thing that we're not just”, he said.

The meeting is held amid uncertainties triggered by the suspension of US military support for Kiev following a tense meeting between Presidents Trump and Zelensky last week at the White House.

President Trump is urging Kiev and Moscow to reach a peace agreement.

European leaders insisted Thursday that their governments should have a seat at the negotiating table to end the war.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stressed the need to preserve the alliance with the United States, despite changes in their stance on war.

The fact that we should take on much greater responsibilities like Europe for our security does not mean ignoring the need for the closest possible alliance with the United States. Today, the United States is a partner with more demands, more difficult, but by strengthening our defence, we can definitely influence improved transatlantic relations. Saving NATO and the alliance with the United States should also be our absolute priority”, he said.

In terms of the need to strengthen Europe's defence positions, French President Emmanuel Macron is proposing the idea of using France's nuclear arsenal to protect the continent in the face of threats from Russia.

“I have decided to open the strategic debate on defence that can provide our pre-emptive (mortal) system to our allies on the European continent. Whatever happens, the decision has been and will always remain in the hands of the president of the Republic, head of the Armed Forces”, he said Wednesday in a speech to the nation on the eve of the EU meeting.

France is the only nuclear power in the European Union.

European leaders had a mixed response to this idea, while Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said it poses a threat to Russia. / VOA