The European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, announced a significant proposal to increase EU defense spending, potentially raising up to €800 billion ($848 billion). This announcement comes as EU leaders prepare to meet on Thursday to discuss a comprehensive five-part plan aimed at enhancing Europe’s defense industry and increasing military capabilities. The initiative is designed to provide urgent military support to Ukraine amidst ongoing tensions with Russia.
Poland's Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, highlighted the unprecedented security risks facing Europe, stating, "A decision was announced to suspend the US aid for Ukraine, and perhaps start lifting sanctions on Russia. We don’t have any reason to think these are just words." The suspension places Europe in a challenging position, as underscored by Tusk's assertion, "This puts Europe, Ukraine, Poland in a more difficult situation."
Amid these developments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed a peace plan to end the war in Ukraine. He expressed willingness to work "constructively" under Donald Trump’s leadership, acknowledging that his recent meeting with Trump and US Vice-President JD Vance "did not go the way it was supposed to." Despite this, Zelenskyy thanked Trump for providing Kyiv with Javelin missiles during his first presidential term.
Zelenskyy's proposal includes the possibility of signing a deal granting the US access to Ukraine’s mineral wealth. This deal would result in substantial US investment in Ukraine’s underdeveloped minerals and mining sector. However, the Trump administration has announced a block on all deliveries of ammunition, vehicles, and other equipment, including shipments agreed upon during Joe Biden's presidency.
"We really do value how much America has done to help Ukraine maintain its sovereignty and independence," – Volodymyr Zelenskyy
France’s foreign minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, emphasized the importance of European support for Ukraine in light of the US decision to suspend military aid. Barrot remarked on the critical choice facing Europe: "We are faced with a choice that is imposed on us, between effort and freedom, or comfort and servitude." Similarly, Germany’s foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, stressed the necessity for additional military and financial aid for Ukraine, stating, "Two things are now essential for peace through strength: additional aid – military and financial – for Ukraine, which is defending our freedom. And a quantum leap to strengthen our EU defence."
"This is a moment for Europe, and we are ready to step up." – Ursula von der Leyen
In the context of peace talks, Trump has suggested that the presence of US workers in Ukraine could deter further aggression from Russia without additional security promises. The potential peace plan's early stages may include releasing prisoners and banning missiles and long-range drones used against energy and civilian infrastructure.
"We need the Ukrainians privately to come to us and say: 'This is what we need. This is what we want. This is how we’re going to participate in the process to end this conflict,'" – JD Vance
"That is the most important thing, and that lack of private engagement is what is most concerning." – JD Vance
Meanwhile, JD Vance emphasized the need for direct communication with Ukrainian officials regarding their requirements for ending the conflict. Vance's call for private engagement reflects concerns over recent diplomatic tensions between Ukraine and the US.
"It is regrettable it happened this way. It is time to make things right. We would like future cooperation and communication to be constructive." – Volodymyr Zelenskyy
"I am heartened by the development that President Zelenskyy has indicated that he does want to do this deal after all … I certainly encourage that to happen and he needs to come and make right what happened last week – the shocking developments in the Oval Office – and if he does that then I think this is the win-win-win scenario for everyone involved." – Mike Johnson
Mike Johnson expressed optimism over Zelenskyy's willingness to pursue the minerals deal with the US. He encouraged Zelenskyy to rectify previous misunderstandings and emphasized the mutual benefits of successful negotiations.