Russian Attacks on Kyiv Continue Amid Diplomatic Efforts
Despite a surge of diplomatic interactions, including discussions between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Russia has intensified its aggression towards Ukraine. Last night, Russian forces launched a series of drone and ballistic missile strikes on Kyiv, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 civilians. One of the attacks targeted an EU delegation building, reports 24brussels.
EU Commission spokesperson Arianna Podestà condemned the assaults, stating: “The attacks [on the EU delegation building] are completely unacceptable. In no way will they shake our support for Ukraine.” She confirmed that no diplomatic personnel were injured and emphasized that staff would continue their work in Ukraine despite the ongoing threats.
The protracted conflict has triggered a reassessment of military readiness across Europe. NATO’s European members have committed to significantly increasing defense expenditures, targeting 5 percent of their gross domestic product by 2035. However, uncertainties loom over how these nations, many of which face considerable budget deficits, will achieve these ambitious financial goals.
While the EU has relaxed its budgetary restrictions, allowing nations to borrow more to facilitate defense spending, the sums available still fall short of the substantial increases demanded by U.S. leaders. The disparity highlights ongoing tensions between European ambitions for enhanced military capability and fiscal realities.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, is set to commence a diplomatic tour on Friday in Latvia, where she will meet with Prime Minister Evika Siliņa. Following this, she will proceed to Finland to engage with Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and President Alexander Stubb, as reported by the Commission.
On Saturday, her itinerary includes visits to Estonia for discussions with Prime Minister Kristen Michal, and later to Poland to meet with Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Sunday. On the same day, she will also be in Bulgaria to confer with Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov, concluding her trip on Monday with meetings in Romania with President Nicușor Dan and in Lithuania with President Gitanas Nausėda.
