European Union leaders gathered in Brussels for an emergency summit to address the growing security crisis in Ukraine following the United States’ decision to halt military aid. With Washington stepping back, the EU faces mounting pressure to take the lead in supporting Ukraine’s defense and strengthening its own military capabilities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined the talks, emphasizing the importance of European unity in the face of Russian aggression. “We feel the support, and it is not just words,” he stated, standing alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa.
Von der Leyen called the moment a defining one for Europe, urging EU nations to step up. “This is a turning point—not just for Ukraine, but for the entire continent. Europe must be prepared to defend itself,” she asserted.
Several European leaders echoed this urgency, warning that inaction could embolden Russia and threaten broader regional stability. “We must decide—are we truly a global power, or just a debating club?” questioned Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called for a rapid increase in military spending. “The most critical step now is rearming Europe,” she declared. “We do not have the luxury of time.”
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that military chiefs from multiple European nations would convene in Paris next week to strategize further support for Ukraine, including discussions on potential peacekeeping operations once a ceasefire is in place. “Who truly believes that today’s Russia will stop at Ukraine?” Macron asked in a televised address. He urged Europe to prepare for a future where US support might not be guaranteed.
The shift in US policy comes after a tense White House meeting between President Donald Trump and Zelenskyy, which ended with Washington freezing military aid. Reports suggest that Trump’s team has engaged with Zelenskyy’s political rivals, pressuring Ukraine to hold elections despite its constitution prohibiting them under martial law. A recent poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology showed Zelenskyy maintaining strong public support, with a 63% approval rating.
At the summit, EU leaders are expected to back a major defense initiative spearheaded by von der Leyen. The proposed “Rearm Europe” plan could unlock up to €800 billion ($863 billion) in military investment. The EU is also coordinating with key non-member allies, including the UK, Norway, Iceland, and Turkey, to ensure a united front.
Despite calls for stronger action, divisions remain within the bloc. Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer have advocated for the deployment of peacekeeping forces in Ukraine, a proposal that remains contentious. Additionally, discussions on France sharing its nuclear deterrent—an idea floated by Macron and Germany’s likely next chancellor Friedrich Merz—have yet to gain traction.
Merz, however, has vowed to provide “whatever it takes” to support Ukraine and has unveiled a €500 billion defense fund. The EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has also proposed a plan that would require each EU nation to contribute military aid based on their economic strength, addressing disparities in support levels. While this measure was not fully adopted, it will remain under discussion.
The lack of unity is particularly evident in Hungary’s stance, as Prime Minister Viktor Orban has aligned with the US position of seeking direct negotiations with Russia. In a recent letter to Costa, Orban acknowledged that Hungary’s approach to Ukraine differs from the EU’s broader strategy, signaling ongoing tensions within the bloc.
Meanwhile, countries like Italy and France face internal political pressures that make increasing defense spending a challenge. France’s former Prime Minister Michel Barnier was forced out in December after attempting to push through a controversial budget proposal, underscoring the difficulty some governments face in committing more resources to Ukraine’s war effort.
Despite these obstacles, EU leaders are aware that this moment may define Europe’s future security landscape. Whether the continent rises to meet the challenge or remains dependent on external powers is a question that will shape global geopolitics for years to come.