EU reaffirms support for Ukraine amid doubts after Trump’s victory

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has reaffirmed Europe’s unwavering support for Ukraine, just days after Donald Trump’s election win raised doubts about the future of Western assistance to the country.

He made the remarks during a visit to Kyiv on November 9, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Borrell, the first senior EU official to visit Ukraine since Trump's victory, stressed that the purpose of his trip was to reassure Ukraine of Europe's continued commitment as the war with Russia nears its 1,000th day.

The European Union has already provided €122 billion in military and financial aid to Ukraine and trained approximately 60,000 Ukrainian soldiers. He announced that the EU aims to increase this number to 75,000 by the end of the winter.

“This support is steadfast and crucial for your defence against Russia’s aggression,” the EU diplomatic chief stated at a joint press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

“We need quicker deliveries of aid and fewer self-imposed restrictions,” he added, reiterating Ukraine’s request for long-range strikes on military targets within Russia.

Hence, Western support, particularly from the United States, has been vital in Ukraine’s ability to resist Russia’s far larger and more advanced military. However, Trump's stance on Ukraine has raised concerns. The former US president has criticised the scale of American assistance and has vowed to end the war swiftly, though he has not clarified how this would be achieved.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was quick to congratulate Trump on his election victory and expressed hopes for continued dialogue with him. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha voiced Ukraine’s expectation that the US would maintain its leadership in achieving a “just peace,” and noted that preparatory talks for a future meeting between the two leaders would begin soon, though no further details were given.

Besides, Borrell, who is set to leave office next month, said EU defence ministers would meet next week to discuss ongoing support for Ukraine and advocate for bolstered assistance at this critical juncture.

As Ukrainian forces face mounting challenges on the frontlines, particularly in the eastern Donetsk region, where Russia steadily advances, the EU remains committed to aiding Ukraine in its struggle. Currently, about 20% of Ukrainian territory is under Russian control.

By Khagan Isayev