The European Union’s newly appointed top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, and European Council President, Antonio Costa, arrived in Kyiv on Sunday, signaling strong backing for Ukraine as they commenced their roles.
“We came to give a clear message that we stand with Ukraine, and we continue to give our full support,” Costa stated during a press briefing attended by media outlets, including AFP, accompanying their visit.
The visit underscores the EU’s commitment to Kyiv as Ukraine nears three years of resisting Russia’s full-scale invasion. The European bloc’s leadership is keen to reaffirm its stance amid growing concerns about the future of Western support.
Uncertainty looms as the United States prepares for Donald Trump’s return to office in January, raising fears that his administration might pressure Ukraine into making concessions for a rapid peace settlement.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has heightened tensions by threatening to target government buildings in Kyiv with the Oreshnik missile, which Moscow used against Ukraine for the first time last month. Putin claimed the move was retaliation for Kyiv’s authorization to strike Russian territory using American and British missiles, vowing to retaliate against nations supplying such weaponry.
As winter sets in, Ukraine faces severe challenges, with Russia intensifying attacks on the country’s power grid and launching relentless offensives on the front lines, where Kyiv’s forces are reportedly losing ground.
“The situation in Ukraine is very, very grave,” Kallas, a former Estonian prime minister, remarked. “But it’s clear that it comes at a very high cost for Russia as well.”
The new EU leadership team, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, is set to engage in discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky has recently begun outlining his stance ahead of any potential peace negotiations.
