Ukraine, Zelensky calls for security guarantees before a ceasefire
The Ukrainian President at the EU summit. Growing awareness among the Twenty-Seven of the need to take more responsibility on the ground
From our correspondent Beda Romano
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3' min read
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BRUSSELS - Buoyed by the fear that a return of the unpredictable Donald Trump is provoking in the European establishment, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took the opportunity of a visit to Brussels this week to insist with European partners on the urgency of obtaining "new security guarantees". Meanwhile, the Twenty-Seven appear more willing than in the past to accept new responsibilities. In the absence of unanimity, some countries do not rule out ad hoc arrangements.
"Ukraine wants security guarantees. We need a strong position. We want to work to end the war, we want peace, we want a stable peace (...) That said, before aiming for a ceasefire we need to have in mind what will happen the next day. Otherwise, we are just freezing the conflict and that's it,' the Ukrainian leader said after attending the European Council on Thursday 18 December here in Brussels. He made it clear that he wanted American as well as European support.
Kiev's objective is clear: to prevent the coming winter from weakening Ukraine to such an extent that it would put it in an inferior position to Russia in any negotiations. The Ukrainian president spoke about security guarantees with a number of member states, who were invited to an after-dinner on Wednesday evening at the residence of Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte. According to a European source, two priorities emerged: new air defences and the training of new troops.
'On Ukraine, I can tell you that the mood in the room was one of strong determination and our message remains crystal clear,' said European Council President António Costa at a press conference commenting on the European summit. 'The European Union is united in its support for Ukraine to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. Not just any peace, not capitulation. Only Ukraine as an aggrieved country can legitimately define what peace means and if and when the conditions for credible negotiations are met'.
On the energy front, Ukraine has also made its demands. The most recent Russian bombing raids hit power plants, putting the supply of electricity at risk. President Zelensky has therefore called for air defence systems, while the European Commission has already said it is ready to continue supporting Ukraine's energy infrastructure. The European Council itself reiterated the importance of integrating the Ukrainian electricity grid with the European one.
