European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen highlighted the need for European nations to strengthen their defense capabilities amid increasing geopolitical tensions.
“This is a watershed moment for Europe. And it is also a watershed moment for Ukraine, as part of our European family. Europe faces a clear and present danger. And therefore, Europe has to be able to protect itself, to defend itself, as we have to put Ukraine in a position to protect itself, and to push for a lasting and just peace,” she said in a statement ahead of the emergency European summit in Brussels.
For his part, European Council President Antonio Costa stated that the summit is “extremely important,” emphasizing that “the security and defense of Europe are inseparable from the security and defense of Ukraine.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is participating in the summit, praised the significant support his country has received from Europeans since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war.
