European Leaders Support Kyiv; Zelensky: Russia's Greed Will Not End with Ukraine

About 50 European leaders emphasized their support for Ukraine during the security meeting of the "European Political Community" in Spain on Thursday, October 5. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who arrived in Spain that morning, stated that maintaining such unity is currently the "main challenge." In his speech at the meeting in Granada, he said, "Although we may have our own views on European issues and sometimes disagreements, we are all Europe." Zelensky added, "It is not just a matter of geography. It is about our shared history, ethics, and security." He also stressed the need to equip Ukraine with appropriate missile systems to protect civilians, especially children and students, from Russian attacks. According to Zelensky, Russia's threats and greed will not end with Ukraine and will soon affect EU member countries, especially in the Baltic region. The Ukrainian President reminded that thanks to his country, European soldiers are currently not on the front lines against Putin's soldiers, and the only way to prevent Putin's greed is to defeat him in Ukraine. Despite political, economic, and military support from the West for Ukraine, the Ukrainian efforts to end the presence of Russian occupiers in their land have reached a deadlock. At the same time, the West's firm opposition to Putin's aggression has been overshadowed by internal divisions within the United States and the European Union. Last week, a pro-Russian candidate won the presidential election in Slovakia. Additionally, Hungary's continued refusal to provide comprehensive support for Ukraine within the EU, given the need for consensus among the 27 member states in many decision-making processes, has made countering Putin's aggression more difficult. Following the U.S. Congress's opposition to sending billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine in the 45-day budget plan, EU support for Ukraine has become even more significant. U.S. President Joe Biden called for global powers to coordinate support for Ukraine on Tuesday to demonstrate Washington's backing for Kyiv. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, also stated, "We are very confident that the United States supports Ukraine. What the United States is working on is the timing." However, Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, emphasized the need for continued increasing support from the EU for Kyiv, stating that Washington's support for Ukraine is "irreplaceable." Zelensky had previously warned that Putin's efforts to create divisions among the West would not stop, and Moscow would continue to spread false news and information. A senior NATO commander warned that NATO's weapon reserves have significantly decreased. CNN reported that the U.S. is sending confiscated weapons from the Islamic Republic to Ukraine. Biden discussed continued support for Ukraine with U.S. allies. Ukrainian forces shot down 30 Russian drones and cruise missiles. The EU unveiled a $5 billion aid package for Ukraine. An unprecedented meeting of EU foreign ministers was held in Kyiv.