EU foreign ministers in Ukraine to mark Europe Day, pledge €1 billion in defence aid

In a demonstration of solidarity with Ukraine, a delegation of European Union foreign ministers, accompanied by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, arrived in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv to commemorate Europe Day.

Kallas shared news of the visit via her official X account, highlighting the symbolic importance of marking Europe Day on Ukrainian soil, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Today, we celebrate Europe Day with Ukraine and its people.
Because in a family, both joys and hardships are shared.

Together with Foreign Ministers, we stand united with Ukraine for a lasting peace. For the future we believe in. pic.twitter.com/10QOs96vZu

— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) May 9, 2025

“Today, we celebrate Europe Day with Ukraine and its people. Because in a family, both joys and hardships are shared.

Together with Foreign Ministers, we stand united with Ukraine for a lasting peace. For the future we believe in,” the post by the EU foreign policy chief reads.

Prior to the visit, Kallas revealed that the bloc’s foreign ministers were set to unveil a €1 billion support package for Ukraine’s defence industry during their official trip to Kyiv on 9 May.

"Tomorrow, we are going to Ukraine, and we are going to make available [€]1 billion for Ukraine's defence industry," Kallas stated, underscoring the EU’s intention to bolster Kyiv’s domestic arms production capacity amid ongoing Russian aggression.

According to Politico, the Ukrainian government had extended invitations to European dignitaries to visit on May 9 as a symbolic display of diplomatic unity and resilience—timed deliberately to contrast with Russia’s Victory Day parade in Moscow. The move is widely interpreted as an effort by Kyiv to underscore Western backing and to shift the narrative surrounding the significance of the date.

Meanwhile, Germany’s newly appointed foreign minister made remarks reaffirming Berlin’s support for Ukraine, emphasizing the need for sustained military, economic, and political assistance to ensure Ukraine's sovereignty and long-term security.

By Vafa Guliyeva