#BREAKING: EU Leaders Convene in Brussels for Critical Ukraine and Defense Summit

European Union leaders are gathering today for an extraordinary summit to address escalating concerns over Ukraine and the continent’s security, as the bloc faces a pivotal moment amid shifting U.S. priorities. Hosted by European Council President António Costa, the meeting aims to bolster support for Ukraine and chart a course for Europe’s defense future, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in attendance.

The summit, announced on February 23, follows weeks of diplomatic turbulence after U.S. President Donald Trump signaled a pause in military aid to Ukraine and initiated talks with Russia—excluding Ukraine and the EU—raising fears of a diminished American role in European security. Costa underscored the urgency, stating on social media, “We are living a defining moment for Ukraine and European security,” emphasizing a collective resolve to strengthen defense and ensure lasting peace.

Key discussions will focus on a proposed €800 billion defense package, spearheaded by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, to ramp up military spending over the next decade. The plan, detailed ahead of the summit, includes relaxing EU debt rules to unlock €680 billion and redirecting €150 billion from existing funds, aiming to close the gap left by years of underinvestment—EU nations averaged 1.9% of GDP on defense in 2024, below NATO’s 2% target.

Zelenskyy, fresh from a tense White House visit, seeks firm security guarantees, warning against fragile ceasefires without Ukrainian input. While most EU leaders back the initiative, Hungary’s Viktor Orbán and Slovakia’s Robert Fico have expressed reservations, potentially complicating consensus. As Trump’s administration pivots toward China, Europe’s leaders face pressure to unify and act decisively, balancing military aid with a peace framework that preserves Ukraine’s sovereignty in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical landscape.