EU Leaders Gather in Brussels to Discuss Ukraine’s Future Amid U.S. Pressure for Peace Deal

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

European Union leaders are meeting in Brussels for a critical emergency summit to discuss Ukraine’s future and European defense, as U.S. President Donald Trump pushes for a swift resolution to the war. The summit marks the first high-level gathering since Trump’s phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which has sparked concerns over the direction of negotiations.

Transatlantic Tensions Over Ukraine

The 27 EU leaders are expected to reaffirm their support for Ukraine, especially as Trump has shown a growing willingness to negotiate with Moscow without acknowledging Russia as the aggressor. His recent Oval Office confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his administration’s suspension of military aid and intelligence-sharing have further alarmed European officials.

French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the uncertainty surrounding Washington’s role, stating, “The United States, our ally, has changed its position on this war, supporting Ukraine less, and leaving doubt about what comes next.”

Despite tensions, Zelenskyy has sought to mend ties by praising Trump’s leadership, a move that the U.S. president acknowledged positively.

EU Seeks Unity, Faces Internal Divisions

During the summit, EU leaders will discuss key issues such as:

• Security guarantees for Ukraine
• Potential financial and military commitments to compensate for reduced U.S. support
• The appointment of a special envoy to oversee negotiations

Zelenskyy is set to address EU leaders in person, reinforcing Ukraine’s need for continued European backing.

However, the summit could be complicated by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has aligned himself with Trump’s approach and opposes further military aid to Ukraine. Orbán has argued that Trump's strategy is the best path to ending the war, warning against measures that could hinder the peace process.

Diplomats have been working behind the scenes to draft a consensus-based statement, but if Hungary – and potentially Slovakia – refuse to sign, the EU may proceed with a declaration backed by 25 or 26 members instead.

European Military Strategy and Funding Plans

The summit will also address defense spending, building on a recent proposal by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to mobilize up to €800 billion for European security and military expansion.

Additionally, discussions are ongoing about a “coalition of the willing” to support Ukraine with security guarantees, troop presence, and air defense. Countries such as France, Denmark, Sweden, the UK, Norway, and Australia have expressed interest but insist that U.S. support remains essential—something Trump has yet to commit to.

While no official agreement is expected immediately, EU officials stress that Europe must prepare for a shifting geopolitical landscape, with Ukraine’s security deeply tied to the continent’s stability.

“There can be no negotiations that affect European security without Europe’s involvement,” a draft summit statement reads.

As the conflict continues, the EU faces a defining moment in shaping its role in Ukraine’s defense and securing a lasting peace.