EU aims to compete with U.S. for global influence – Espreso correspondent from Brussels

This was reported by journalist Tetyana Vysotska on Espreso TV.

"Right now, European politicians, both publicly and behind the scenes, are voicing frustration that the U.S. has effectively sidelined the EU from the negotiations, even though the EU’s assistance is key to Ukraine’s security guarantees. Today, Keith Kellogg continues his second day of meetings in Brussels," Vysotska noted.

According to the Espreso journalist, on February 18, Keith Kellogg met with Ursula von der Leyen.

"After meeting with Kellogg, von der Leyen released a statement reaffirming that the EU’s support for Ukraine isn't less than that of the U.S., and perhaps even equal. She pointed out that the EU has provided a total of 135 billion euros in aid to Ukraine, including 52 billion euros in military support, which is comparable to U.S. contributions," Vysotska explained.

The Espreso journalist also mentioned that the EU, regardless of the U.S. stance, will continue to provide military aid to Ukraine.

"This could mean taking on an equal share of support, or even more. Most of the key negotiations are happening behind closed doors, with only formal statements being made public. Still, it’s clear that the EU wants to show that Europe is a strong, self-reliant continent capable of competing with the U.S. for global influence," Vysotska emphasized.