However, the two countries differed on the overall idea of a major push by Europe to provide arms financing to Ukraine, for example through defense bonds. The possibility of a joint EU bond is supported by countries such as France, Estonia and Poland, but strongly opposed by frugal countries such as Germany, the Netherlands and Austria.
Discussions between the European Union's 27 leaders in this room on Thursday reflected these differences, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Dutch President Mark Rutte repeating their opposition. Two EU diplomats spoke to Politico on condition of anonymity to speak freely about the issue.
“Unfortunately, the use of artillery by our soldiers on the front lines means that Europe can offer much more,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in a video call with European leaders at the summit. In that sense, it is a humiliation for Europe.”
Meanwhile, Russia announced on Wednesday that it would double its war in Ukraine by adding two new troops by the end of the year.
EU leaders, in language supported by the Baltic states, Poland and Greece, called on the European Commission to “consider all options for mobilizing resources and report by June”.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Thursday night that “the debate is the beginning, not the end.”
Hans von der Burchard, Clea Caulcutt and Nicholas Vinocur contributed to the report.
