EU declares not to rule out sending troops to Ukraine, Kiev responds unexpectedly

On December 1, the new High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union (EU) Kaja Kallas and President of the European Commission (EC) Antonio Costa visited Kiev to show symbolic support for Ukraine.

From left: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, European Council President Antonio Costa, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and EU Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas in Kiev on December 1. (Source: Reuters)

According to AFP news agency, during an official visit to Kiev, senior EU leaders sent a strong message that the bloc will stand by Ukraine until it wins the conflict with Russia.

"We want Ukraine to win this war. We will do whatever it takes to achieve that," EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stressed.

During a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, when discussing information that some Western countries might send troops to Ukraine, including a statement from French President Emmanuel Macron, Ms. Kallas said that no possibility should be ruled out and that strategic ambiguity should be maintained at this time.

She also suggested that Europe could play a role in monitoring a ceasefire after the conflict ends.

For his part, President Zelensky declared that Ukraine would not ask its allies to send troops, even though the country desperately needed support, because if it asked for soldiers, half of its allies might stop supporting it.

He also insisted that the invitation to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) must cover the entire territory of Ukraine, but agreed that the military alliance's security guarantees would not apply to territories occupied by Russia during the conflict.

According to the leader, there is still time for the US to convince European countries that Ukraine should join NATO, this is necessary for the country's survival.

The statement came as President Zelensky recently admitted that the country could give up part of its territory in exchange for joining NATO, with the hope of being able to restore those territories through diplomatic channels.

For his part, during his visit to Kiev, President of the European Council Antonio Costa also reaffirmed the EU's strong commitment to Ukraine in dealing with the conflict.

The EU will continue to provide regular financial assistance to Ukraine, at a rate of €1.5 billion per month starting in 2025. The funds will be sourced from frozen Russian assets in the EU. The money will be used flexibly, including for military purposes, to help Kiev strengthen its defence and resilience.

The decision marks a major step in using frozen Russian assets to fund the war against itself. In addition, the EU also announced that it would continue to impose new sanctions on Moscow aimed at weakening its economy and its ability to continue the war.

The EU leaders' visit to Ukraine immediately after taking office demonstrates the bloc's top priority in supporting Kiev, while strengthening solidarity between the EU and Ukraine in the face of common challenges.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/eu-tuyen-bo-khong-loai-tru-viec-do-quan-toi-ukraine-kiev-tra-loi-bat-ngo-295815.html