On March 21, 2025, EU leaders announced at the summit on Thursday that they would continue to support Ukraine. However, they did not immediately respond to Ukrainian President Zelensky's request for approval of 5 billion euros for purchasing artillery shells. Zelensky made this request via video link and emphasized that Europe should have independent weapons manufacturing capabilities.
Zelensky also criticized some countries for obstructing the union's decisions, calling such actions "anti-European." Reports noted that Hungary refused to sign parts of the agreement related to Ukraine, while the other 26 EU member states supported those parts, reaffirming support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and pledged continued comprehensive assistance.
At the summit, Zelensky stated: "We need funds to purchase artillery shells, and we would greatly appreciate Europe's prompt provision of at least 5 billion euros." Additionally, the EU's High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, also urged leaders to support Kyiv in both words and actions. She mentioned at the summit: "The stronger they are on the battlefield, the stronger they are at the negotiating table."
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda emphasized that Ukraine needs more military assistance, including long-range missiles. He reaffirmed his firm support for Kyiv, stating: "We must rearm ourselves, or we will become the next victims of Russian aggression."
However, regarding Zelensky's specific request for an artillery shell procurement plan, EU leaders did not provide a clear reply. Slovak Prime Minister Fico pointed out that EU military aid to Ukraine should be based on the voluntary principle of member states, and Slovakia cannot allocate 250 million euros from its budget for military aid to Ukraine as it would impact other domestic priorities. He emphasized that Slovakia would not provide any funding or military aid to Ukraine.
This summit reflected the divisions among EU member states on the issue of aiding Ukraine. Although there is widespread support for Ukraine, the member states have not yet unified their positions on the specific amount and methods of aid.
