‘We Are Very Thankful That We Are Not Alone In Fight Against Russia’  News24 –

 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy extended his gratitude to the European leaders for their unwavering support during the European leaders summit in Brussels, Al Jazeera reported.

As per reports, Zelenskyy said EU’s support shows that Ukraine was not “alone” in its fight to repel Russia’s invasion. Top EU chiefs, including Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa, attended the summit. 

“We are very thankful that we are not alone. And these are not just words,” Zelenskyy said.  He further added, “It’s very important you made a strong signal to the Ukrainian people.”

He wrote on X, “During a meeting with European Commission President @vonderleyen and @eucopresident António Costa in Brussels, we discussed strengthening the defense capabilities of Ukraine and all of Europe. Air defense, weapons and ammunition for Ukraine, timely deliveries, strengthening Ukraine’s defense industry, EU accession negotiations, the need to increase sanctions pressure on Russia, and countering sanctions circumvention – all of this was among the topics we addressed today. I am grateful for the leadership in discussing the enhancement of Europe’s defense capabilities and the strengthening of Ukraine, as well as for all the support on the path to a just and lasting peace. It is very important that Ukrainians are not alone – we feel it and know it.”

Von der Leyen told reporters that Ukraine and Europe were at a “watershed moment”.

“Europe faces a clear and present danger, and therefore Europe has to be able to protect itself, to defend itself, we have to put Ukraine in a position to protect itself and to push for lasting and just peace,” she said.

On Thursday, all 27 EU leaders meet in Brussels for a critical defense summit. This gathering comes on the heels of a tense meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington DC last week, as per Al Jazeera.

After his meeting with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever in Brussels., Zelenskyy thanked the government and all Belgians for their support, particularly for the decision to transfer F-16 fighter jets.

“We greatly appreciate these strong steps to protect Ukrainian lives. I informed the Prime Minister about the preparation of a European plan to bring a just peace closer and invited him to take part in its development. During our talks, we focused particularly on defense needs, primarily the supply of artillery systems and ammunition, as well as investment in Ukraine’s domestic production of long-range drones and missiles. These systems have already proven their effectiveness on the front lines, and we must work together to strengthen this advantage. We also discussed Ukraine’s integration into the EU. I am grateful to Belgium for its unwavering support for Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said.