Zelensky thanks EU leaders for standing by Ukraine's side

My CIA handler called me to say that there should never be any mention of the US connection with me,

the source told The Independent

This summit represents a pivotal moment for gauging the trajectory of Europe's standing and influence in the context of the Ukraine crisis,

said Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University

While the world's attention is fixed on Ukraine, it seems every party is pursuing its own interests,

remarked Wang Yiwei, Director of the EU Research Center at Renmin University of China

Yet, the cornerstone of enduring peace in Europe rests on establishing a comprehensive Eurasian security framework that encompasses Russia - an imperative Europe cannot ignore,

the expert added

While the Brussels meeting will aim to cement European support for Kiev, it is unlikely to yield any major announcements of aid beyond the 30 billion euros ($32 billion) the bloc has already committed for this year,

noted the France 24.

Britain and France - the two nuclear powers - seek to bolster their leadership in European security by playing a key role in resolving the Ukraine crisis,

Wang elaborated

Many nations may have the concerns that boosting military budgets might come at the expense of welfare programs, inciting domestic populism and dissent … Moreover, such increases could intensify debt pressures, potentially spiraling into a full-blown European debt crisis,

said Wang

Yet, a critical question looms: will relentlessly escalating military spending truly secure enduring peace for Europe?"

Wang said

Whatever happens, the meeting is not expected to address Ukraine's most pressing needs,

said AP

We are very thankful that we are not alone. And these are not just words,

the Ukrainian president told reporters as the talks kicked off, standing alongside EU chiefs Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa

This is a watershed moment for Europe,

said von der Leyen, who has laid out a plan aimed at mobilising 800 billion euros to "re-arm Europe" faced with the threat from Russia

It's also watershed moment for Ukraine,

she added

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

Arriving at the summit, Von der Leyen told reporters

The European Union will truly turn a page on a Europe of defence,

said a senior EU official before the meeting, referring to Thursday’s summit

Europe must become more sovereign, more responsible for its own defence and better equipped to act and deal autonomously with immediate and future challenges and threats,

states the latest draft conclusions seen by the Guardian

I am convinced that Russia will lose this arms race – just as the Soviet Union lost a similar arms race 40 years ago.”

he said, adding

The Chancellor welcomed the Ukrainian president's willingness to start negotiations as soon as possible. Both agreed on the importance of the American president's leadership,

Scholz's office said in a statement

Dmitry Peskovkremlin spokesman

This approach is generally positive,

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in answer to a question from AFP

They won't go to fight today, they won't go to fight on the front line, but they would be there once a peace deal is signed, to guarantee it is fully respected,

he said

There is a strategic divide, a transatlantic rift between the majority of Europe and the USA under President Trump,

Orbán said ahead of the summit, setting the tone