At a summit in Brussels, initially planned to discuss the economy and competitiveness, Ukraine's situation took center stage, as reported by the news agency Eunews.
This meeting took place at a time when tensions in the Middle East were rising due to Iran's attack on Israel, which led to Ukraine's president calling on the EU to step up its support.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking digitally from Kiev, made an urgent plea for more aid to Ukraine, comparing the country's situation to the aid Israel has received internationally.
Ukraine's Growing Security Concerns
Meanwhile, the conflict between Ukraine and Russia has worsened with reports of Russian advances and a shortage of ammunition.
Germany recently responded by sending another Patriot air defense system to Ukraine, which Zelenskyi welcomed but pointed out that the need was much greater.
EU leaders have reacted to the situation in the Middle East by imposing new sanctions on Iran and strongly condemning the attack on Israel. "We are determined to protect civilian lives," declared EU Council President Charles Michel.
The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has also called on the EU countries to strengthen their defense capabilities.
"The threat of war may not be immediate, but it is not impossible. We must be ready," von der Leyen said at a defense and security conference, according to APF.
No new commitments were made at the summit, but Zelensky hopes his appearance will influence the upcoming digital meeting of NATO defense ministers.
