Even if a ceasefire in Ukraine were to last 30 days, the European Union has no plans to stop supplying weapons.
European leaders want Ukraine to be in the strongest possible position when peace talks eventually happen.
They are determined not to let a temporary halt in fighting weaken Kyiv’s defenses.
Several European diplomats made this clear ahead of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting set for Monday, March 17, according to DW.
One diplomat said that Ukraine must have the power to reject any unfavorable deal, much like Donald Trump would say about negotiations.
The EU and its member states will not stop sending military aid just because the aggressor demands it as part of a ceasefire.
Another EU official pointed out that even during a pause in fighting, Ukraine still needs weapons.
Stopping the flow of arms would be a mistake. A third diplomat explained that the war is far from over.
The Russian military could use a ceasefire to regroup and prepare for a new attack.
A fourth source confirmed that the EU’s goal is to keep Ukraine’s military strong.
Ensuring Ukraine has a solid defense position is crucial to maintaining its ability to deter future aggression. If Ukraine is well-armed, it can continue to resist even if fighting resumes.
The EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting will focus on what a ceasefire agreement could mean for Ukraine’s security.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga is expected to take part via video link.
Officials in Brussels stress that Ukraine’s security is tied directly to Europe’s. Any decisions about the future of the region must involve the EU.
Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin has stated that Russia supports a ceasefire but insists on certain conditions.
He says any ceasefire must lead to long-term peace and address the root causes of the conflict.
His demands include a ban on Ukraine’s military training and mobilization during the ceasefire period, as well as an end to Western arms shipments.
Later, he added another condition: Ukrainian troops in Russia’s Kursk region must lay down their arms and surrender.
The EU, however, remains firm. They are not willing to gamble with Ukraine’s security by agreeing to conditions that could leave it vulnerable.
For now, the support continues, and so does the fight.
