EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell is in Kyiv on Saturday to reassure Ukrainian officials of Europe’s support in its fight against the Russian invasion.
It is the first trip by a senior EU official following Donald Trump’s victory in the US elections, which has caused concern in both Ukraine and Europe over the future of the war. Many are fearing that the Trump presidency will end Washington’s support for Kyiv.
"The message is clear: Europeans will continue to support Ukraine," Borrell, who is set to leave office next month, told an AFP journalist accompanying him.
"We have supported Ukraine from the beginning, and for my last visit to Ukraine, I convey the same message: we will support you as much as we can," he added.
During his campaign, Trump repeatedly questioned the substantial US military and financial aid being sent to Ukraine and suggested he could strike a quick deal to end the war.
"No one knows exactly what the new administration will do," Borrell said, noting that outgoing President Joe Biden still has two months in power to take decisions.
"But we Europeans must seize this opportunity to build a stronger and more united Europe – and one demonstration of our unity, strength, and capacity to act is our role in supporting Ukraine."
Since the Russian invasion in 2022, Europe has spent approximately $125 billion to support Ukraine, while the United States has alone disbursed more than $90 billion, according to a study by the Kiel Institute.
