EU remains committed to Ukraine, Borrell announces new aid

(Patria) - The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy led a delegation of high-ranking diplomats on an unannounced visit to Kyiv and dismissed concerns about political tensions in the bloc over its long-term support for Ukraine's fight against Russia, AP reported.

Although largely symbolic, the informal meeting of EU and Ukrainian diplomats showed the EU's "clear commitment" to Ukraine in its war, said Josep Borrell.

"The EU remains united in its support for Ukraine... I do not see any member state abandoning its commitment," Borrell told a press conference in the Ukrainian capital.

The gathering was the first time EU foreign ministers had met outside the bloc and in a war zone, according to Borrell.

The talks were held following the victory of former Prime Minister Robert Fico in Slovakia's elections, whose pro-Russian agenda has raised question marks about the EU's continued support for Kyiv. This small Eastern European country could introduce further tensions into EU discussions about Ukraine, as has happened with Hungary's sometimes cold stance towards Kyiv.

Budapest has maintained close ties with Moscow and has advocated against supplying weapons to Ukraine or providing economic assistance. Slovakia manages a key railway line used to transport Western military equipment to Ukraine.

Borrell insisted at the press conference that the EU is committed to "sustainable engagement" with Ukraine. "Our resolve... is firm and will continue," he said.

He highlighted a list of ongoing commitments the EU has made and hopes for, including proposed military aid of five billion euros next year, for the training of about 40,000 Ukrainian soldiers, and possible joint ventures in the arms industry between EU and Ukrainian companies.

Other signs of EU commitment include assistance in cyber defense, a demining program that will enable Ukraine's post-war recovery, and the reform of Ukraine's law enforcement to combat corruption, Borrell said.

But the EU's "strongest security commitment" to Ukraine is to grant it membership in the bloc, he said.