BRUSSELS - German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told Rudaw on Thursday that a “dictated” peace must not be imposed on Ukraine as Washington pressures Kyiv to accept a ceasefire with Russia.
“It is very important that we ensure Ukraine is not forced to accept a dictated peace, but rather a just and fair peace that guarantees sovereignty and independence. Therefore, there are concrete proposals to first silence weapons in the air and seas, ensure energy infrastructure is not at risk, and create an opportunity for the exchange of prisoners and return of hostages,” Scholz told Rudaw in Brussels on the sidelines of an emergency meeting of European leaders convened after Washington withdrew its support for Ukraine and announced its priorities were on the security of its own borders, not Europe.
European Union leaders have endorsed new defense spending initiatives that will allocate billions of euros to enhance the continent's security, responding to the need for stronger defense capabilities with the goal of ensuring Europe can better protect itself against emerging threats.
To support these efforts, the EU will relax its budget constraints, giving member states more flexibility to increase military spending. This shift follows indications from the Donald Trump administration that the US will reduce its security role in Europe.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the EU “faces a clear and present danger” and that the continent “has to be able to protect itself, defend itself as we have to put Ukraine in a position to protect itself and to push for a lasting and just peace.”
She presented “ReArm Europe,” a plan to provide up to €800 billion for defense investment that will allow European states to help in the defense of Ukraine.
The European leaders warmly welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after his recent heated exchange with Trump in the Oval Office.
“We are very thankful that we are not alone. These are not just words, we feel it. It is very important. You made a strong signal to Ukrainian people, to Ukrainian warriors, to civilians, to all our families. And it is great that we are not alone. We feel it and we know it. Thank you so much for everything,” Zelenskyy told reporters.
The EU’s foreign policy and security chief also said they want to increase their support for Ukraine.
“Everybody wants peace. That’s very clear. But the peace has to be the one that is not bringing more suffering to the Ukrainian people but also to the Europeans. That’s why we are discussing, increasing our own defence,” Kaja Kallas told reporters.
