EU’s Josep Borrell: European Union Ready to Lead on Ukraine Support If US Backs Down
In a significant shift in EU’s stance on Ukraine, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell has signalled that the European Union is prepared to step into a leading role in supporting Ukraine, should the United States withdraw from its commitments. Citing a report by Politico, Borrell expressed hope that the US would continue its support for Ukraine but indicated that the EU stands ready to assume a more prominent role in its absence.
Borrell’s remarks come amidst uncertainty around US President Biden’s commitment to Ukraine aid as his term nears an end. Earlier this month, the US Defense Department announced a fresh military assistance package worth $500 million, but it remains unclear whether the Biden administration will fully exhaust the Ukrainian aid budget approved by Congress last spring before leaving office.
The EU’s willingness to fill the potential gap in US support for Ukraine underscores the growing importance of Europe’s role in the region’s security dynamics. It follows a surge inancements and diplomatic efforts from EU member states, including Germany and France, to de-escalate the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
On Monday, the Contact Group on Defense of Ukraine held its last meeting in its current format at the US airbase in Ramstein, Germany, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in attendance. The group, which brings together defense ministers from Ukraine and its key allies, has been crucial in coordinating military assistance to Ukraine.
As the conflict enters its tenth month, the Ukraine crisis remains a contentious and evolving issue, with far-reaching implications for European and global security. With the US administration set to change hands in the coming days, all eyes are on how the EU and its member states will navigate their role in Ukraine’s ongoing struggle and its relationship with Russia.
