EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell made the statement
before a G7 foreign ministers' meeting in Fiuggi, Italy, according to Interfax-Ukraine.
He emphasized that the EU has its own commitments and
resources to assist Ukraine.
“When we talk about strategic autonomy, the least we can do is continue
supporting Ukraine. We are not waiting for orders from Mr. Trump,” Borrell
said.
At the same time, he acknowledged that the U.S. position on
Ukraine remains “very important.”
“But on our part, we must continue using all our resources to defend Ukraine.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha is here to brief us on the situation.
We will reaffirm our commitment to supporting Ukraine. This is the EU’s
position—at least as of [last] Friday. I hope it will be the same [this coming]
Monday,” Borrell stated.
Journalists noted this G7 meeting will be Borrell’s last as
the EU’s foreign policy and security chief. In June, it was announced that
former Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas would succeed him.
Trump’s “Peace Plan” for Ukraine
On Nov. 6, The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump’s
advisers had proposed various versions of a plan to effectively freeze the
front line in Ukraine. One suggestion involves Ukraine refraining from NATO
membership for 20 years.
The plan reportedly includes freezing the front line and
creating an 800-mile (nearly 1,300 km) demilitarized zone. Additionally, it
would leave approximately 20% of Ukraine’s territory under Russian control.
On Nov. 7, the Ukrainian presidential office expressed
skepticism about the plan’s authenticity.
“Real presidential plans are unlikely to be announced in newspapers. And there
are always plenty of Russian disinformation leaks,” commented presidential
communications adviser Dmytro Lytvyn.
The Economist reported that Ukrainian officials are
considering two public versions of Trump’s “peace plan.” Meanwhile, The
Telegraph suggested the plan could involve deploying European and British
troops in a 1,200-kilometer buffer zone between Russian and Ukrainian forces.
On Nov. 24, The Guardian reported that Trump’s entourage
includes figures who might persuade him to negotiate with Ukraine under
conditions set by Russian dictator Vladimir Putin—if Russia agrees to sever its
strategic partnership with China.