Europe and the United States are simultaneously responding to several crises that are affecting the course of the war against Ukraine. Some leaders insist on increasing economic pressure on Russia, while others are already speaking about energy risks and compromises. At the same time, Ukraine is expanding military cooperation, receiving new aid packages and launching joint defense projects. At the center of attention is the balance between security, the economy, and the political interests of allies.
The U.S. war against Iran benefits Russia, Kallas says of the crisis of international law
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas saidthat the U.S. war against Iran plays into Russia’s hands because it distracts attention from Ukraine and increases energy prices. She emphasized the deep crisis of international law and called the situation “the gravest violation of international law since the Second World War.” According to her, the key global challenges remain Russia’s war against Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East.
Kallas stressed that “Aggression cannot be rewarded. If this happens in Ukraine, it will become a signal for others.” She also stated that Russia supports Iran, in particular through the transfer of intelligence and drones, which contributes to the prolongation of conflicts. The EU advocates strengthening the role of the UN, creating a tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine, and bringing those responsible to justice. “Without accountability of leaders, war crimes will not stop,” Kallas said.
Meloni: “Economic pressure on Russia is the key to peace”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni saidthat sanctions and economic pressure on Russia remain “the most effective weapon” for achieving peace. She spoke against the backdrop of energy risks in Europe, which intensified after the U.S. and Israel’s war against Iran and restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, discussions are growing in the EU about a possible review of restrictions on imports of Russian gas.
“The economic pressure that we have exerted on Russia over these years has been the most effective weapon for helping to build peace, and therefore we must be very careful about how we move forward,” Meloni said.
She noted that she hopes for progress toward peace before new restrictions on Russian LNG are introduced. At the same time, some Italian politicians are calling for the resumption of supplies from Moscow and are also discussing the possibility of freezing energy prices.
The Prime Minister of the Netherlands and Trump discussed Ukraine and the Middle East
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten held a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, where they discussed the war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and cooperation within NATO. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima also took part in the talks . participants to Jetten, the conversation was candid and concerned key security and political issues.
“Together with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, I visited President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the White House. Our visit was focused on the special and deeply rooted bond between the United States and the Netherlands,” Jetten said.
He added that the sides discussed the need to seek a sustainable solution regarding Iran and to prevent escalation. In the prime minister’s assessment, the meeting was “too short to convince one another, but long enough to better understand one another’s positions.”
“It was a useful evening,” Jetten concluded.
Belgium and Spain will each provide Ukraine with one billion euros in aid
Ukraine has agreed to expand defense cooperation with Belgium and Spain, particularly in the areas of air defense, drones, and long-range artillery. This was reported by Ukraine’s Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov after talks with his European counterparts. Belgium confirmed funding aid in the amount of one billion euros, as well as the supply of additional F-16s and components.
Spain also announced the allocation of one billion euros and discussed expanding defense-industrial cooperation. Ukraine proposed testing Spanish drones in combat conditions and developing joint production projects. The talks took place against the backdrop of preparations for the next Ramstein-format meeting, where further support for Ukraine is being discussed.
Ukraine and Germany agreed on large-scale cooperation in drone production
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz signed agreements on defense cooperation, including a large-scale drone production project. According to Zelenskyy, this could become one of the largest such partnerships in Europe. The agreement provides for the creation of a joint venture and the supply of thousands of drones for the Ukrainian army.
“No defense industry has become more innovative than the Ukrainian one,” Merz said.
Germany will also finance the purchase of Patriot missiles and IRIS-T systems, and will invest hundreds of millions of euros in developing Ukraine’s long-range capabilities. Zelenskyy stressed that work on the details of the agreement is ongoing, but the cooperation is already based on existing projects between companies of the two countries.
Photo: Suspilne
Author: Danylo Pievchev