BREAKING: European defence ministers have just announced an urgent plan to amplify support for Ukraine and intensify pressure on Russia following a devastating air assault on Kyiv that killed 23 people on July 13, 2023. The attack, which inflicted severe damage on a European diplomatic compound, has ignited widespread outrage among Europe’s leaders.
During a crucial meeting in Copenhagen on Friday, defence ministers condemned the Russian aggression and discussed implementing tougher measures, including seizing frozen assets and increasing military support for Ukraine. “Everybody understands that, considering how Russian President Vladimir Putin is mocking peace efforts, the only thing that works is pressure,” stated Kaja Kallas, foreign policy chief for the European Union.
The ministers are also deliberating on deploying European troops to Ukraine to ensure security and monitor a peace that currently feels unattainable. With American efforts to mediate peace appearing stalled, Kyiv’s European allies are eager to establish a force that could uphold any future agreements. A coalition of 30 countries, including nations from Europe, Japan, and Australia, is now committed to supporting this initiative.
As discussions continue, Kallas emphasized that the United States is expecting Europe to carry “the lion’s share” of the burden regarding security guarantees for Ukraine. Military leaders are currently assessing how this security force would operate, while the role of the United States remains uncertain. Notably, former President Trump has ruled out sending US troops to assist Ukraine against Russian forces.
The situation escalated on Thursday when two missiles struck just 50 meters from an EU diplomatic mission in Kyiv, shattering windows and doors but fortunately causing no injuries. In response, the EU summoned Russia’s envoy to Brussels, Karen Malayan, condemning the attack as a serious violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, according to EU foreign policy spokesperson Anitta Hipper.
In a further development, the UN Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting to address the airstrikes against Ukraine, following a request from Ukraine and five European council members, including Britain, France, Slovenia, Denmark, and Greece.
On the diplomatic front, two of Ukraine’s top envoys are set to meet with the Trump administration regarding mediation efforts. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt expressed criticism towards both leaders, stating that while Trump is not surprised by the recent attacks, it is clear that both sides must genuinely desire an end to the conflict.
In Copenhagen, Kallas noted that ministers discussed the possibility of increasing sanctions on Russia and enhancing defence supplies for Ukraine. She highlighted the challenge posed by Hungary’s veto, which has blocked €6.6 billion (approximately $7.3 billion) in EU support for Ukraine. However, discussions are underway to route these funds through NATO’s newly prioritized requirements list.
Just yesterday, the United States confirmed an arms sale to Ukraine valued at $825 million, which will include extended-range missiles aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.
Lithuania’s Defence Minister Dovilė Šakalienė warned that the recent attack on Kyiv underscores the naivety of hoping for peace. “All Putin is doing is stalling, really buying time to kill more people and feigning a willingness to stop his own murderous actions,” she remarked, emphasizing the need for a more forceful response from Europe, including the seizure of frozen Russian assets.
As the situation continues to evolve, the world watches closely for the next steps from European leaders and the potential implications for Ukraine and its allies. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
