Brussels: European leaders have expressed confidence in their ability to defeat Russia in any confrontation, reassuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as EU leaders gathered in Brussels for high-stakes discussions on security and defense.
Europe’s Strength Against Russia
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk asserted that Europe is militarily, economically, and financially stronger than Russia. “Europe as a whole is truly capable of winning any military, financial, economic confrontation with Russia – we are simply stronger,” Tusk said before the summit. “We just had to start believing in it. And today it seems to be happening.”
Tusk warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin had launched “a new arms race,” leaving Europe with no choice but to bolster its defenses.
“Europe must be ready for this race, and Russia will lose it like the Soviet Union 40 years ago,” he wrote on X. “From today, Europe will arm itself more wisely and faster than Russia.”
His remarks came as EU leaders convened for emergency talks, focusing on strengthening their collective security and ensuring Ukraine’s defense amid growing concerns about U.S. policy shifts under President Donald Trump.
Zelensky’s Appreciation for EU Support
Zelensky expressed gratitude for the EU’s unwavering support, particularly following his tense meeting with Trump at the White House.
“I want to thank all our European leaders,” Zelensky said. “Strong support from the very beginning of the war. During all this period, and last week, you stayed with us.”
Following his White House visit, Washington suspended military aid and intelligence sharing that had been crucial to Ukraine’s resistance against Russian forces.
A ‘Watershed’ Summit for European Security
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the Brussels summit as a “watershed” moment, reflecting concerns that the Trump administration may be making major concessions to Russia while sidelining Ukraine in diplomatic negotiations.
German politician Friedrich Merz, expected to be the country’s next chancellor, met with summit chairman Antonio Costa to discuss ways to strengthen Europe’s defenses swiftly. Merz has advocated for relaxing Germany’s debt rules to allow increased military spending.
France’s Nuclear Role in European Defense
Adding to the urgency, French President Emmanuel Macron is set to discuss with EU leaders whether France’s nuclear deterrent could play a role in safeguarding Europe from potential Russian aggression.
The summit highlights the significant geopolitical shift since Trump took office, challenging the longstanding U.S.-Europe security alliance that has been the backbone of Western defense since World War II.
“Spend, spend, spend on defense and deterrence. That’s the most important message,” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized, signaling a dramatic shift from Europe’s historically low military expenditures.
Macron reiterated the importance of European self-reliance:
“Member states will be able to increase their military spending,” he said. “Massive joint funding will be provided to buy and produce some of the most innovative munitions, tanks, weapons, and equipment in Europe.”
He added, “Europe’s future does not have to be decided in Washington or Moscow.”
EU Pushes for Increased Defense Spending
Von der Leyen has proposed a plan to relax budget restrictions, enabling member states to boost defense spending significantly. The initiative is backed by €150 billion ($162 billion) in loans aimed at acquiring high-priority military equipment.
However, most of the additional defense expenditure will have to come from national budgets, posing a challenge for heavily indebted countries like France, which is struggling to reduce a budget deficit of 5% of GDP. Other eurozone nations—Belgium, Greece, Spain, Italy, and Portugal—also have debt levels exceeding 100% of GDP.
Germany, with a lower debt-to-GDP ratio of 62%, has more fiscal room to expand military spending.
Russia’s Continued Assault on Ukraine
Amid the diplomatic maneuvering, Russia’s attacks on Ukraine continue. Overnight, a Russian missile strike on a hotel in Zelensky’s hometown of Kryvyi Rih killed four people. Zelensky stated that humanitarian volunteers—including Ukrainian, American, and British nationals—had recently moved into the hotel before the attack. Thirty-one people were injured, but it remains unclear if any foreigners were among them.
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Trump’s Pressure on Ukraine
The urgency of the summit was further amplified by Trump’s recent decision to pause U.S. military supplies to Ukraine, pressuring Zelensky to enter negotiations with Russia.
While Thursday’s meeting was not aimed at immediately mobilizing more weapons or unblocking the estimated €183 billion ($196 billion) in frozen Russian assets held in a Belgian clearinghouse, EU leaders underscored the gravity of the situation.
“This is a watershed moment for Europe and Ukraine as part of our European family. It’s also a watershed moment for Ukraine,” von der Leyen said as she walked into the summit alongside Zelensky.
Challenges to a Unified EU Response
Despite strong rhetoric, the EU remains divided on some aspects of its approach. Hungary and Slovakia have threatened to veto parts of the summit’s declaration on Ukraine, highlighting internal rifts.
“We have to take decisions no matter the one or two which are opposing every time,” Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said. “Otherwise, history will penalize us and we will pay a very high cost.”
Although the summit is unlikely to yield immediate decisions on Ukraine’s defense or European security spending, a follow-up EU meeting on March 20–21 is expected to provide a clearer outline of future commitments.
