European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that a failed Ukraine would not only weaken Europe but also the United States, during her speech at the Munich Security Conference.
According to von der Leyen, both the EU and the U.S. share the goal of ending the bloodshed in Ukraine and securing a just and lasting peace.“We both want a peace that leads to a sovereign and prosperous Ukraine, one that must be given firm security guarantees,” she stated.
Von der Leyen highlighted the historic financial and military aid that European nations have provided to Ukraine.“The total support amounts to €134 billion, more than any other contributor,” she noted.
This figure includes $52 billion in military aid, matching the amount provided by the United States. She also recalled the tough sanctions imposed on Russia and the EU’s gradual independence from Russian natural gas, which have been key elements in Europe’s response to the war.
She expressed confidence that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is ready to work toward a peace that honors the sacrifices of his country and its fallen soldiers. “Ukraine wants a just and lasting peace more than anyone else,” she emphasized.
In contrast, von der Leyen questioned Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intentions. “He claims to be willing to negotiate, but under what conditions? It is up to him to prove that his interest is not to prolong this war. It is up to him to show that he has abandoned his ambition to destroy Ukraine.”
Accelerating Ukraine’s EU Membership Process
Von der Leyen reiterated the EU’s commitment to Ukraine’s future within the European bloc. “We are working with Ukraine on its accession to the EU because Ukraine is part of our European family—this is where its future lies,” she stated.
She pledged that the European Commission will intensify its efforts to accelerate the country’s EU membership process, stressing that while significant progress has been made, now is the time to move mountains once again.
Source: ANA-MPA, Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
