European Powers Reaffirm Support for Ukraine Amid Trump Presidency
On November 19, 2024, the foreign ministers of six major European countries—Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, and the United Kingdom—met in Warsaw to mark the 1,000th day since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. They pledged to continue their military, economic, and financial support for Ukraine, while cautioning the incoming U.S. President Donald Trump against unilateral negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The G5EU+ group emphasized that any peace negotiations must include Ukraine and be based on the United Nations Charter, ensuring that Russia faces consequences for its aggression.
The meeting, attended by key European officials including the future EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, highlighted the urgency of maintaining a united front in the face of potential divisions within the EU, particularly following Trump's election. The ministers committed to increasing military spending and integrating defense efforts among EU member states and NATO to bolster European security against Russian threats.
Scholz's Controversial Call with Putin
In a related development, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently spoke with Putin for the first time in two years, during which he condemned Russia's ongoing aggression and called for negotiations with Ukraine. However, this phone call has drawn criticism from various quarters, including Ukrainian officials who accused Scholz of appeasement. Scholz defended the conversation, asserting that it was necessary to communicate Germany's unwavering support for Ukraine and to clarify that no decisions would be made without Ukraine's involvement.
The conversation also touched on the troubling support Russia is receiving from North Korea, which Scholz labeled as an escalation in the conflict. Critics argue that such diplomatic overtures may embolden Putin rather than compel him to negotiate in good faith.
The Future of EU Support for Ukraine
As the European Parliament convenes to discuss the ongoing support for Ukraine, the unity of the EU is under scrutiny. Trump's
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