Key issue of discussion at EU-US summit is support for Ukraine in war unleashed by Russia

BRUSSELS. March 23 (Interfax-Ukraine) – The leaders of the European Union and U.S. President Joe Biden at the EU summit to be held in Brussels on March 24 and 25 intend to reaffirm their unity in support of Ukraine in the war waged against it by Russia.

This was announced to journalists on Wednesday by a high-ranking European official on the eve of the summit. According to the official, on March 24, the U.S. President will join the EU leaders, and the exchange of views will take place from 16.30 to 18.00. The idea is that after the NATO-G7 summit to reaffirm unity regarding Russian aggression against Ukraine. This will be the key issue of condemnation, which will be divided into different sub-themes, the development of the war, support for Ukraine and the international dimension, which is quite an important element when it comes to putting pressure on Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will address the leaders in a video conference format. The official said that key issue will be support for Ukraine. As it is known, the president proposed to establish a Solidarity Fund with Ukraine.

When asked about a decision on new sanctions for Russia, he did not rule out that the leaders would hold a political discussion. The European said they may decide that they can move on, it depends on the development of events on the ground.

Speaking about whether the issue of granting Ukraine membership in the EU will be raised, he did not rule out that this topic will be part of the discussion, since this issue is important for many leaders. Some leaders will call for moving forward as soon as possible, and the President of the European Commission is expected to update on the status of this work.