During a European Union summit marked by sparse substantive engagement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy pressed EU leaders to accelerate and expand the flow of military equipment to Kyiv. Reportage from the French outlet El País captures his plea for a rapid upscaling of arms deliveries as the war enters its second year, underscoring a perception in Kyiv that Western support is losing tempo. Zelenskiy argued that timely and ample supply of weapons is essential to sustain Ukraine’s defense and to push back against Russian aggression, emphasizing that delays weaken Kyiv’s position and could undermine the coalition’s shared objectives. The president’s appeal framed military aid as a critical pillar of Ukraine’s resilience and its ability to deter further escalation while pursuing a pathway to peace through strengthened deterrence on the battlefield.
Observers noted that the summit featured limited concrete action beyond rhetoric, with questions lingering about the pace of sanctions against Moscow and the capacity of Western partners to maintain long-term commitment. The report highlights concerns in Kyiv regarding slowed or inconsistent deliveries, which, if not addressed, could fuel a sense of frustration and diminish confidence in allied unity. The emphasis remained on ensuring that the EU and its member states adhere to a steady, predictable cadence of aid, covering a broad spectrum of equipment and support measures that could sustain Ukraine over the coming months as the conflict persists.
The discourse also touched on strategic national perspectives within Western capitals. In Potsdam, former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz articulated a stance that long-term assistance would be necessary to support Ukraine and deter Russia. He framed Western efforts as a sustained effort to convey to Moscow that the objectives of the campaign cannot be achieved easily, and that perseverance is required to establish a stable path toward peace. Scholz warned that without durable commitments, the prospect of a negotiated settlement remains elusive, and the conflict risks dragging on without a clear resolution. His remarks reflected a broader consensus among Western leaders that resilience and continuity in support are indispensable to shaping the strategic balance and safeguarding regional security over time.