Security of Europe, Ukraine intertwined: EU Council president

ATHENS

The defense and security of Europe and Ukraine are intertwined, noted EU Council President Antonio Costa on Thursday.

Speaking in Brussels at the doorstep of the EU Council's special summit on European defense and Ukraine, along with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the EU Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen, Antonio Costa added: "That's why, we are here to support Ukraine for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace."

Von Der Leyen, for her part, stressed that extraordinary times require extraordinary measures.

"It is a watershed moment for Europe, and Ukraine is part of our European family. It's also a watershed moment for Ukraine. Europe faces a clear and present danger, and therefore Europe has to be able to protect itself, to defend itself, as we have to put Ukraine in a position to protect itself and to push for lasting and just peace," she said.

Von Der Leyen added: "We want a peaceful strength, and this is the reason why I present today to the leaders the Rearm Europe plan."

Zelenskyy, for his part, praised the EU's efforts to continue supporting Ukraine.

"It's very important you made a strong signal to Ukrainian people, to Ukrainian warriors, to civilians, to all our families. And it's great that we are not alone. We feel it, and we know it," he said.