Dublin: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Simon Harris has called on European Union member states, including Ireland, to enhance financial and military support for Ukraine following the United States’ withdrawal of aid.
Harris emphasised the urgent need for Europe to step up its assistance to Ukraine, with Ireland playing an integral role. He noted that these matters are expected to be discussed at a special European Council meeting later this week. The recent dispute between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House has raised significant concerns, Harris added.
He remarked that the incident has strengthened European solidarity with Ukraine, as reflected in his communications with other EU foreign ministers. “Europe’s position is clear—we stand firmly with Ukraine. The very existence of Ukraine must be the foundation of any discussion,” Harris stated. Prime Minister Micheál Martin also condemned the tensions between the US President and Zelensky.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Martin is set to meet UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer ahead of the special EU summit on Ukraine. Martin will travel to London for a private dinner with Starmer but will not attend the Ukraine defence summit. He will, however, represent Ireland at the EU Council meeting on March 6, where Zelensky is also expected to participate.
UK’s €2.74 Billion Loan for Defence Capacity Development
London: In response to the US administration’s apparent alignment with Russia, Ukraine has drawn closer to the United Kingdom. The two nations have signed a €2.74 billion loan agreement aimed at strengthening Kyiv’s defence capabilities. The deal was reached during a meeting between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Downing Street.
The loan agreement was signed virtually by UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Ukrainian Finance Minister Sergey Marchenko. According to the agreement, the loan will be repaid using profits from Russian assets. Zelensky stated that the funds would be used for weapons manufacturing. He expressed gratitude for the UK’s continued support, highlighting that the discussions covered the challenges facing Ukraine, security guarantees, and a just resolution to the conflict.
Since President Trump’s return to office, the US has adopted a markedly pro-Russian stance, diverging from the longstanding alliance between the US and Europe. Despite diplomatic overtures by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump’s dismissal of Zelensky signalled no significant shift in Washington’s position. The incident was met with approval in Moscow, where former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev mocked Zelensky with derogatory remarks—a comment widely condemned internationally.
UK’s Unwavering Support for Ukraine
The British government described the loan agreement as a testament to its unwavering support for Ukraine. Prime Minister Starmer reiterated that the UK would stand by the Ukrainian people for as long as necessary. Following the collapse of the White House talks, various European leaders expressed solidarity with Zelensky.
Zelensky to Meet King Charles
Today, President Zelensky is scheduled to meet Britain’s King Charles at the Sandringham Estate in eastern England. The monarch has previously declared his support for Ukraine, further underscoring the UK’s commitment to the country.
European Leaders Rally Behind Zelensky
The fallout from the Trump-Zelensky dispute has sparked widespread debate across Europe. Germany described the incident as marking the beginning of a “new era of infamy.” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk asserted that Ukraine is not alone, while NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte urged Zelensky to find a path toward restoring relations with the US.
A Turning Point for Europe
President Trump’s decision to bypass Kyiv and reach out to Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent shockwaves through Europe and the NATO alliance. This abrupt shift has intensified concerns about the US’s continued commitment to NATO. Against this backdrop, today’s UK summit is seen as a pivotal moment to strengthen defence cooperation in Europe. French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed readiness to discuss European nuclear defence, while German leader Friedrich Merz called for Europe to accelerate efforts to achieve strategic independence from the US.
However, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban voiced opposition to these new initiatives, highlighting the deepening divisions within the European bloc.
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