Brussels: Leaders of the 27 European Union countries and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are holding an emergency summit in Brussels today to discuss strengthening European defence and the future of Ukraine, a candidate country to join the bloc.

According to Qatar News Agency, the European summit is taking place following an urgent shift in US policy under President Donald Trump, who recently reduced support for Ukraine and announced it was time to end the Russian-Ukrainian war. This shift has prompted Germany to invest significantly in its military capabilities and advocate for reforming the strict European budget rules, deviating from its traditional financial conservatism concerning the deficit.

In response to the current geopolitical situation, the European Commission has unveiled a plan to “rearm Europe,” proposing an allocation of around 800 billion euros. This proposal includes discussions on allowing member states to increase military spending without it affecting their budget deficits. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized in a letter to EU leaders that Europe is confronting an unprecedented and immediate danger.

The dynamics of the Russian-Ukrainian war are evolving, particularly after US President Donald Trump’s return to the White House. Trump has pledged to end the conflict between Moscow and Kiev, urging Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to negotiate peace with Russia and halting the provision of intelligence information to Kiev. Meanwhile, Europe has committed to maintaining its support for Ukraine.