Speaking after a security summit at Lancaster House in London, Tusk stressed Europe’s commitment to strengthening its eastern flank and maintaining sanctions on Moscow, all while maintaining unity with U.S. President Donald Trump.
“Today, the most important thing is that we find a common language and a common stance among as many countries as possible,” Tusk said, adding: “It’s vital that Donald Trump sees that as many states as possible share the same opinion.”
He argued that such a united front would bolster Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s negotiating position as Ukraine seeks security guarantees against Russian aggression.
Push for defense spending
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed Tusk’s call for solidarity, stating: “We want you to know that we are ready to defend democracy.”
She urged European nations to “immediately increase their defense spending,” warning that a credible military posture is essential for lasting peace.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, hosting the summit, added that leaders agreed to continue military assistance for Ukraine and ramp up economic pressure on Russia “as long as necessary.”
While European heads of state largely agreed on firm measures to deter Russia, Tusk acknowledged a lack of consensus on confiscating frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s defense.
“Everyone knows it would be best to seize these assets and use them for Ukraine’s defense,” he said, but noted that some leaders worry about “negative repercussions for the euro or the banking system.”
Meloni, Zelensky in private meeting
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also held a private meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to discuss a “just and lasting peace.”
Afterward, Zelensky reiterated that no party except Russian President Vladimir Putin benefits from extending the conflict, calling for continued unity from Europe and the United States.
European leaders plan to resume discussions on March 6 at an extraordinary European Council meeting in Brussels, where defense cooperation and Ukraine’s security needs will top the agenda.
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Source: PAP, IAR, RMF24