European allies have pledged over €21 billion ($24 billion) in new military aid to Ukraine, in what has been described as a record-breaking surge of support, even as U.S. peace efforts intensify with a rare meeting between President Vladimir Putin and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in Russia.
The development comes amid a critical phase in the Russia-Ukraine war, now entering its fourth year, with Russian forces holding the battlefield advantage. While Ukraine has endorsed a U.S.-led ceasefire proposal, the Kremlin has delayed its response, raising doubts over Moscow’s intent to end the conflict.
“Russia Has to Get Moving”: Trump Urges Peace
In a post on social media, U.S. President Donald Trump called the war “terrible and senseless,” and pressed Russia to move forward on a peace plan. The Kremlin confirmed on Friday that Steve Witkoff met Putin in St. Petersburg, following earlier talks with Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev. The meeting reportedly lasted 4.5 hours, though no details were disclosed.
Also Read: Trump urges for Ukraine ceasefire, Witkoff meets Putin in St Petersburg
“This is another step in the negotiating process towards a ceasefire and an ultimate peace deal,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Europe’s Largest Military Aid Package Yet
After chairing a high-level Ukraine defense contact group meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels, UK Defence Secretary John Healey announced the historic aid commitment.
“This is a record boost in military funding for Ukraine, and we are also surging that support to the frontline fight,” Healey said.
Ukraine’s Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, who joined the meeting alongside NATO leaders, described the session as “productive, effective and efficient.” He confirmed that this was one of the largest aid packages Ukraine has received.
The new support includes:
- A $580 million UK-Norway initiative for drones, radar systems, and anti-tank mines.
- Germany’s pledge of four IRIS-T air defense systems and 30 Patriot-compatible missiles.
- The Netherlands’ commitment to provide a Hawkeye airborne early-warning system.
- Estonia’s call for faster global arms procurement to aid Ukraine.
Zelenskyy Urges for More Patriot Systems
Joining via video, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy renewed his calls for more Patriot missile defense systems, referencing the recent deadly Russian strike that killed 20 people, including 9 children.
Meanwhile, Russia continues to stall Washington’s ceasefire proposal. “Russia continues to use bilateral talks with the United States to delay negotiations about the war in Ukraine,” said the Institute for the Study of War.
Fears of a New Russian Offensive
Military analysts and Ukrainian officials believe that Russia is preparing a fresh offensive, possibly timed to coincide with May 9 — Victory Day in Russia — to strengthen its hand at the negotiating table.
“We need to speed up the deliveries as quickly as we can,” said Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur, emphasizing the urgency.
Notably, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who had warned European allies in February about shifting U.S. priorities, did not attend the forum in person but addressed the gathering via video.
Peace Elusive as War Grinds On
Despite diplomatic outreach and record-setting military support, the war in Ukraine shows no signs of resolution. As Putin delays his response and eyes further battlefield gains, European leaders stress the need for speedy, unified action to bolster Ukraine and prevent further escalation.
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