European Council President Charles Michel announced on Thursday that he was “on his way to Kyiv” where he is to discuss new support measures for Ukraine with President Volodymyr Zelensky who has called for faster arms deliveries.
The two leaders will discuss “concrete measures (…) to ensure that (Ukraine) is stronger and more powerful”, declared Charles Michel in a video message posted on Twitter. NATO allies have promised Kyiv “increased support with heavier and more modern weapons” to counter Russia’s offensives.
“Ukrainians are fighting for their land, for the future of their children. But they are also fighting for our common European values of peace and prosperity. They need and deserve our support,” said the President of the European Council, which represents the 27 EU Member States.
He said he would also meet Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Chmygal and members of the country’s parliament in Kyiv.
This visit comes on the eve of a meeting in Ramstein (Germany) of the contact group for Ukraine, which brings together some fifty countries led by the United States. Their discussions will focus on the coordination of aid to Ukraine and in particular on the supply of heavy armor and modern anti-aircraft defense systems.
The United Kingdom has already pledged 14 Challenger 2 heavy tanks and Poland says it is ready to send 14 German-made Leopard 2 tanks, if Berlin authorizes their re-export to Ukraine.
Pressure is mounting for German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to authorize the dispatch of Leopard 2, which is used in several armies of NATO member countries.