Thu Mar 20 18:50:00 UTC 2025: ## EU Leaders Debate Military Aid for Ukraine Amidst Divisions

**Brussels, March 21, 2025** – A significant rift emerged among European Union leaders at a summit in Brussels on Thursday over the level of military support for Ukraine. While EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged a €5 billion ($5.4 billion) pledge for artillery shells to strengthen Ukraine’s position in peace negotiations, deep divisions persist on how to best bolster Kyiv’s defenses and enhance the EU’s own military capabilities.

Kallas, who initially proposed €40 billion in military aid, scaled back her proposal following resistance from several Southern European countries. She emphasized the urgent need for artillery shells, stating that a stronger Ukrainian military position would translate to a stronger negotiating stance. This echoed sentiments expressed by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, who stressed the need for long-range missiles and increased pressure on Russia.

However, Southern European nations expressed more reluctance, highlighting a geographical divide between those closer to Russia, who have provided more aid, and those further away. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez voiced his opposition to the term “rearm,” while others debated the best approach to financing increased defense spending. Discussions included proposals for pooled resources, joint military projects, and even joint borrowing facilities or grants to member states, although some, like the Netherlands, opposed joint eurobonds.

The summit also highlighted concerns about the EU’s own defense capabilities in light of potential Russian aggression and uncertainty about continued U.S. protection through NATO. While most leaders reaffirmed support for Ukraine, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban notably described the EU as “a toothless lion” compared to the United States. The summit concluded with a broad consensus on strengthening the EU’s competitiveness against U.S. economic challenges, but significant disagreements on specific approaches remain.

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