The European Union is nearing a “critical moment” in its support for Ukraine, as the war enters its second year and the bloc’s member states grapple with rising energy costs and inflation
In an interview with the Financial Times, published on Sunday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the EU must “maintain our resolve and our unity” in supporting Ukraine.
She warned that if the EU does not continue to support Ukraine, it would be “a victory for Putin”.
However, von der Leyen also acknowledged that the EU is facing a number of challenges in its support for Ukraine.
She said that the EU is working to reduce its dependence on Russian energy, but that this will take time. She also said that the EU is working to help its member states manage the economic impact of the war, including the rising cost of living.
The EU has provided Ukraine with billions of euros in financial and military assistance since the war began. The bloc has also imposed a number of sanctions on Russia, in an attempt to pressure it to withdraw its troops from Ukraine.
However, the EU’s support for Ukraine has not been without its critics. Some EU member states, such as Hungary, have been reluctant to provide Ukraine with military assistance or to impose tougher sanctions on Russia.
The EU is also facing criticism from some Ukrainians, who believe that the bloc has not done enough to help them. In particular, Ukrainians have criticized the EU’s slow pace in approving new sanctions on Russia and in providing Ukraine with heavy weapons.
The EU is expected to discuss its support for Ukraine at a summit of EU leaders on October 6-7, 2023. At the summit, EU leaders are expected to discuss the bloc’s plans to reduce its dependence on Russian energy and to provide Ukraine with additional financial and military assistance.
The EU’s support for Ukraine is crucial to the outcome of the war. If the EU does not continue to support Ukraine, it could lead to a victory for Putin and a major setback for the West.
