▲ Zelensky Attends EU Summit
On the 6th local time, EU leaders urgently gathered to discuss a security system without the U.S., emphasizing the need for “rearmament.”
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, stated before the EU Special Summit in Brussels, Belgium, “This is a watershed moment,” and highlighted that “Europe is facing a clear and existential risk.”
She further emphasized, “While helping Ukraine defend itself, Europe must also be able to protect and defend itself.”
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated, “Time is running out. We need to rearm Europe, and there must be an expenditure on defense and deterrence.”
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk compared the current situation to the Cold War, saying, “By uniting all of Europe, we have the true potential to win against Russia militarily, financially, and economically. Just as the Soviet Union did 40 years ago, I am confident that Russia will lose this arms race.”
Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden also expressed support, saying, “Even if one or two member states disagree, we should push for enhanced European defense capabilities.”
This reflects a sentiment that they should not be hindered by the strict EU decision-making process that usually requires unanimous agreement.
Although no one mentioned the U.S. directly, there was an urgency in the meeting room reflecting the feeling that Europe can no longer rely solely on the U.S. for security.
The Trump administration is pressuring Europe to address its own security concerns and is showing a tendency to exclude Europe from peace negotiations involving Ukraine.
After a confrontation with President Zelensky at the White House last week, President Trump shocked Europe with a decision to halt military aid to Ukraine.
EU leaders, keeping this situation in mind, publicly emphasized continued support for Ukraine.
Latvian Prime Minister Evica Silina stated, “Ukraine must secure peace through strength, or Russia will take the opportunity to rearm and invade other countries in a few years.”
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever pointed out, “The aggressor is Russia, and Ukraine is the victim. We must never overlook this fact.”
President Zelensky, ahead of the meeting, expressed gratitude to the EU leadership and national leaders, saying, “I am truly thankful that I am not alone. I can feel it.”
Reactions were mixed regarding French President Emmanuel Macron’s “French nuclear umbrella” doctrine declared in his public address the previous day.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda defended the notion, saying, “A nuclear umbrella can be a strong deterrent against Russia,” and Tusk also remarked that “France’s proposal should be seriously considered.”
On the other hand, outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized, saying, “Europe should not abandon U.S. involvement in security.”
Under the NATO nuclear sharing arrangement, U.S. tactical nuclear weapons are stationed in five member countries (Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Turkiye), but the final authorization for use lies with the U.S.
France operates an independent nuclear defense system and does not permit NATO access to its nuclear weapons, unlike the UK, despite being a NATO member.
However, President Emmanuel Macron declared in his public address the previous day that strategic dialogue regarding nuclear deterrence for the protection of Europe’s allies should begin, in anticipation of the U.S. not siding with Europe.
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)