This marked the first such meeting of EU ministers in Ukraine, underscoring the European Union's backing for the country, according to officials.
Poland was being represented by Deputy Foreign Minister Wojciech Gerwel.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell emphasized the pivotal role of Ukraine for security in Europe, public broadcaster Polish Radio’s IAR news agency reported.
He highlighted the importance of the EU's ongoing support for Ukraine and planning for the future.
"Ukraine’s future lies within the EU," he declared.
Also high on the meeting's agenda was a potential increase in the European Peace Fund, aimed at Ukraine's rearmament and equivalent to EUR 500 million. However, Hungary has so far blocked such a move.
Polish state news agency PAP reported that Budapest's approval was contingent on removing Hungarian bank OTP from Ukraine's "list of shame," a catalog of entities that engage in business with Russia. Recent reports from the Politico news service suggest that an agreement between Kyiv and Budapest may be in sight.
Borrell proposed the allocation of EUR 20 billion to Ukraine by 2027, approximately EUR 5 billion annually, specifically for rearmament purposes. This proposal, however, has yet to win majority support among EU member states.
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, launching the largest military campaign in Europe since World War II.
Monday is day 586 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
(jh/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP
