Newly appointed EU leaders Kaja Kallas and António Costa visited Kyiv on their first day in office to reaffirm the EU’s support for Ukraine amid ongoing Russian military aggression. Their meeting with President Zelensky underscored the EU’s commitment to Ukraine’s defense and the need for increased military assistance. Meanwhile, Ukraine faces heightened attacks, particularly in Dnipro and Kherson, resulting in casualties as the conflict intensifies, especially in the eastern regions like Donbas.
On their very first day in office, newly appointed EU leaders Kaja Kallas and António Costa made a significant journey to Kyiv, driven by a clear mission: to reinforce Ukraine’s confidence in the unwavering support of the European Union. This comes at a time when Russia continues to escalate military pressure on the nation.
Immediately following their inauguration, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Council President António Costa embarked on a symbolic visit to Kyiv. This visit conveys a powerful message, with Costa declaring: ‘We stand by Ukraine and will continue to fully support them.’ A key element of their trip includes a crucial meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
As the new leaders of the European Union, Kallas and Costa aim to demonstrate their steadfast commitment to Ukraine, especially in light of nearly three years of Russian hostility. Kallas emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, ‘The situation in Ukraine is very, very serious. However, it is evident that it comes at a considerable cost to Russia.’
President Zelensky has expressed his willingness to pursue a ceasefire, provided that NATO guarantees protection for the unoccupied regions of Ukraine.
Kallas Pushes for Increased Military Support
Kallas has consistently championed the rapid provision of additional weapons to Ukraine. The 47-year-old politician is well-connected on the international stage, particularly within the EU, as noted by Kristi Rajk from the International Centre for Defence and Security in Estonia. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Kallas emerged as a prominent voice, effectively representing the Baltic region. Rajk stated, ‘She was not only visible but also actively involved in shaping EU and NATO policies related to the conflict.’
In response to potential threats, Lithuania is preparing by offering drone training courses to enhance their defense capabilities against Russian assaults.
Kallas Prioritizes Ukraine’s Victory
As the EU’s chief diplomat, Kallas prioritizes the response to Russia’s aggression. She has recently articulated that achieving victory for Ukraine is of utmost importance for the EU. Kallas insists that Europe must provide military, financial, and humanitarian support to Ukraine as long as necessary.
Costa, who previously served as the Prime Minister of Portugal, is also a staunch ally of Ukraine. As the new EU Council President, he succeeds Belgian Charles Michel and is tasked with leading summits of EU heads of state and government while acting as a mediator in conflicts.
EU Commissioner Reynders has called for increased support for Ukraine, although there is some resistance within Parliament.
Casualties in Dnipro and Kherson
Urgent EU assistance remains crucial as Russia maintains its military pressure on Ukraine. Reports from the Ukrainian military indicate that Russian drones have been consistently flying over Kyiv at night. The air defense system successfully intercepted numerous drones over the capital, according to military administration head Serhiy Popko, who noted that debris fell in certain areas, fortunately without injuries.
Casualties from Attacks in Southern Ukraine
Authorities have reported strikes in various regions of the country. In Dnipro, at least four individuals lost their lives, and 21 others sustained injuries due to an attack that struck a store, an apartment building, and a residential house in the village of Zarichanka, as detailed by regional military administrator Serhiy Lyssak on Telegram.
In Kherson, three people were killed, and seven others were injured in an assault on public transport, according to local governor Olexander Produkin on Telegram.
President Zelensky condemned Russia’s actions as ‘despicable terror,’ stating, ‘This occurs almost every day. Ukraine is staunchly resisting this utterly inhumane pressure.’
There are growing concerns among allies regarding the potential depletion of Ukrainian soldiers.
Intensified Pressure on Ukrainian Forces in the East
Ukrainian defenders are facing significant challenges in the eastern regions, particularly around Donbas. The General Staff in Kyiv reports a total of 153 combat actions throughout the day due to Russian offensives from various fronts. Intense clashes have been particularly noted in the persistent hotspots of Pokrovsk and Kurakhove, where Russian troops have made repeated attempts to breach Ukrainian defense lines.
With information from Astrid Corall, ARD Studio Stockholm.
This topic was reported on December 1, 2024, at 10:00 AM.