Status: 02.10.2023, 08:58 a.m.
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Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba (left) and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell speak at the opening of the informal EU Foreign Affairs Council in Kyiv. © Friedemann Kohler/dpa
Again and again, foreign politicians go to Kiev - for security reasons, the trips are kept secret beforehand. But such a large group of ministers has never come to the Ukrainian capital.
Kiev - In support of Ukraine, the foreign ministers of the EU states traveled to Kiev this Monday for a historic meeting. It is the first time that there has been such a meeting of the representatives of all 27 EU states outside the EU, said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.
Since Russia invaded the neighboring country in February 2022, never before has such a large group of high-ranking foreign politicians come to Kyiv. For German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, this is her second visit to Ukraine within a few weeks.
As usual during the Russian war of aggression, the trip was not announced in advance for security reasons.
As a topic for the EU meeting, Borrell mentioned his proposal to make longer-term financing commitments for military aid to Ukraine and to use EU money to support the delivery of modern fighter jets and missiles. For example, he wants to mobilize five billion euros annually from 2024 to the end of 2027. However, a decision is not to be expected in Kiev, the Spaniard said on Sunday. Such informal ministerial meetings are about political discussions.
The support of the Europeans is also important at a time when the financing of US aid is in limbo because of a budget dispute in Washington.
This is the state of affairs with regard to the prospect of EU accession
The meeting is also likely to discuss Ukraine's EU accession prospects. The country has officially been a candidate country since June 2022. However, the 27 EU states still have to decide unanimously on the start of negotiations. A positive vote is to be given if Ukraine has fulfilled certain conditions. This includes stepping up the fight against corruption.
Baerbock was last in Ukraine on September 11. While the minister travelled to Kiev from most EU countries, a deputy foreign minister had been announced from the important neighbouring country of Poland. The close relationship is currently strained due to a Polish import ban on Ukrainian grain. Only one high-ranking diplomat was also expected from Russia-friendly Hungary. Dpa
