Ukraine's EU and NATO Accession: Zelensky Seeks Support from Three More Countries, Meets New German Chancellor

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said a Russian military invasion of Ukraine would be a “catastrophe for the whole world.”

During a visit to the Eastern Partnership summit in Brussels, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with the prime ministers of Austria, Belgium and Spain and asked for support for Ukraine's future accession to the EU. 

At a meeting with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, Zelensky spoke about the security situation in eastern Ukraine and in occupied Crimea. 

“Volodymyr Zelensky proposed that the head of the Belgian government consider supporting Ukraine's European aspirations by concluding a bilateral Declaration on support for our state's European perspective,” the Office of the President said in a communiqué. 

The president also raised the possibility of Belgian businesses and investors taking part in infrastructure and other projects in Ukraine. 

At a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Zelensky spoke about Ukraine's recent steps toward European integration and expressed expectations of Spain's support for Ukraine's European perspective at the bilateral level. 

The conversation also touched on economic cooperation, in particular in the areas of energy, food production and the development of infrastructure projects.

Zelensky also raised the issue of official support for Ukraine's future EU membership at a meeting with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer. Security and economic cooperation were also discussed. 

In addition, on the sidelines of the Eastern Partnership summit in Brussels, Zelensky held his first meeting with Germany's new chancellor, Olaf Scholz, at which the possible membership of Ukraine in NATO was discussed. 

Volodymyr Zelensky
President of Ukraine

I expect deeper cooperation between Ukraine and Germany in the areas of energy, security and defense. I also count on support for Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic course. 

Russia's invasion of Ukraine would be a “catastrophe for the whole world”

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told parliament that a Russian military invasion of Ukraine would be a “catastrophe for the whole world.” 

Boris Johnson
British Prime Minister

If Russia is reckless and rash enough to launch an invasion of Ukraine's sovereign territory, we, together with our allies, will apply an extremely tough package of economic sanctions. I told President Putin (in a phone call on December 13 — ed.) that I think any such military action on his part would be a catastrophe not only for Russia and Ukraine, but for the whole world. 

The prime minister promised that Britain would support Ukraine. According to him, NATO will increase the number of troops in member states bordering Ukraine. 

EU Summit Conclusions

The EU leaders' summit will include in its conclusions a pledge of serious consequences for Russia in the event of further aggression against Ukraine. 

The document, from the 27 EU countries, states that “any further military aggression against Ukraine will have grave consequences and a serious response price.” The EU will coordinate any sanctions package with the United States and the United Kingdom. 

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on the eve of the EU summit that, in addition to expanding existing sanctions, the EU may take “unprecedented measures with serious consequences for Russia.” 

Some EU countries consider a Russian attack inevitable, but France and Germany believe there is still time for diplomatic steps. 

Media reports say Germany, France, Italy and Spain want to focus on dialogue with Moscow before developing the painful economic measures they would take.