**EU Leaders Reaffirm Support for Ukraine, But No Specific Security Guarantees**
The European Union has reaffirmed its support for Ukraine at a special summit in Brussels. However, EU leaders failed to provide specific security guarantees without the backing of the United States.
The summit was held on March 6, amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to halt military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv. When asked how Europe would provide lasting security guarantees to Ukraine without a U.S. backstop, European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen dodged specifics.
**The Best Security Guarantee is the Ukrainians Themselves**
Costa said that “the best security guarantee are the Ukrainians themselves,” highlighting Ukraine’s ability to fight against Russia‘s invasion for over three years. Von der Leyen also praised the Ukrainian military, saying “the best security guarantee is the Ukrainian army.”
The EU plans to explore its capabilities in the treaty framework to contribute to security guarantees, but did not provide any specific proposals.
**Ukraine Needs Comprehensive Security Guarantees**
President Volodymyr Zelensky attended the summit and emphasized that Ukraine needs a comprehensive agreement on security guarantees to accept a peace deal with Russia. He also thanked EU leaders for their support.
In a statement released at the conclusion of the summit, the EU pledged to provide enhanced political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic support to Ukraine while stepping up pressure on Russia.
**U.S. Support Remains Unclear**
The U.S. stance on Ukraine remains unclear, with President Trump saying that he will make a decision soon on whether to continue providing military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv.
EU leaders were measured in their remarks regarding the U.S. shifts in foreign policy under the Trump administration. Von der Leyen reiterated that a “peace through strength” was in everyone’s best interests, including Trump’s.
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