On November 19, 2024, Josep Borrell, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, announced strong support within the EU for sustained military aid to Ukraine as the conflict with Russia reaches its 1,000-day mark.
Following a meeting of EU defense ministers, Borrell stated that the majority of member states intend to continue supplying military resources to Ukraine, with Hungary and Slovakia being notable exceptions. He emphasized the importance of member states' commitment to supporting Ukraine, particularly in light of potential changes in U.S. military support under a new Trump administration.
During this first meeting of EU Foreign and Defense Ministers since the U.S. elections, member states reaffirmed their strong commitment to Ukraine. Borrell highlighted the roles of France, Germany, Poland, Spain, and Italy, which convened under the Weimar format to discuss military backing for Ukraine.
Borrell warned that the outcome in Ukraine will significantly impact the future of the EU, stating that if Russian President Vladimir Putin succeeds, the consequences would be far greater than any current military support. He noted that while Hungary and Slovakia have reservations about sending arms, their contributions are not substantial in the overall context.
In a joint statement, Spain, Germany, France, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom expressed their commitment to enhancing European and transatlantic security in light of the ongoing Russian threat. The defense ministers also reviewed military assistance provided to Ukraine, totaling €45 billion, which Borrell indicated is close to U.S. levels. Additionally, he confirmed that the EU has delivered one million artillery shells promised to Ukraine to boost its military capabilities.