Reuters. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Thursday (March 6) joined European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for a summit to discuss Ukraine and European defence in Brussels.
Speaking to media at the venue, Von der Leyen said she will propose a plan that could mobilize up to 800 billion euros ($860 billion) for European defense.
The "ReArm Europe plan allows member states to invest in Ukrainian defense or to "procure military capabilities that go right away to Ukraine," she said.
Zelenskiy address the media to express gratitude for Europe's "strong signal" to Ukraine.
"It is great that we are not alone. We feel it and we know it. Thank you so much for everything," said the Ukrainian president.
While the meeting will offer words of support and plan for an increase in defense spending, Europe is not expected to be able to fully replace suspended U.S. aid. Washington provided more than 40% of military aid to Ukraine last year, according to NATO, some of which Europe could not easily provide.
