Europe ready to ramp up defense efforts for Ukraine amid global pressure — Ursula von der Leyen

The press service of the European Commission reported the information.

On Tuesday, February 18, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met in Brussels with Keith Kellogg, the U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, emphasizing the European Union’s critical role in ensuring Ukraine’s financial stability and security.

During the discussions, von der Leyen highlighted that the EU’s total commitments to Ukraine have reached €135 billion — surpassing those of any other ally. She noted that the bloc’s military aid alone amounts to $52 billion, aligning with the U.S. contribution.

Looking ahead, the European Commission chief outlined plans to ramp up defense spending and increase military production, reinforcing not only the EU’s own security but also Ukraine’s resilience against ongoing aggression. She stressed that Europe is fulfilling its share of military assistance and stands ready to do even more.

Von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU’s dedication to a just and lasting peace, underlining that any resolution to the war must uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, secured by reliable defense guarantees.

Furthermore, she expressed the EU’s willingness to work alongside the United States to end the bloodshed and establish a peace settlement that Ukraine rightfully deserves. “This is a critical moment,” she stated, making it clear that Europe intends to play a decisive role.

The meeting followed comments from Kellogg, who previously remarked that Europe was absent from key negotiations on ending the war. In response, European leaders convened an emergency summit in Paris on the evening of February 17, called by French President Emmanuel Macron.

Meanwhile, Armin Papperger, head of German defense giant Rheinmetall, voiced concerns that years of underinvestment in defense have left Europe sidelined in high-stakes talks about Ukraine’s future.