On Monday, the foreign ministers of the European Union held their first-ever meeting outside the bloc in Ukraine. This was a demonstration of support for Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s invasion. The meeting was prompted by the recent electoral victory of Robert Fico, who has a pro-Russian agenda and cast doubt on the EU’s continued support for Kyiv in EU member Slovakia. The meeting was an unannounced informal, attended by the foreign ministers of the majority of 27 EU member countries. However, the foreign ministers of Hungary and Poland were not at the Kyiv gathering.

Officials said the meeting would review the bloc’s support for Ukraine and discuss President Volodymyr Zelenskyy‘s proposed peace formula.

“We are convening a historic meeting of EU Foreign Ministers here in Ukraine, candidate country and future member of the EU. We are here to express our solidarity and support to the Ukrainian people,” High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President Josep Borrell posted on X. “Ukraine’s future lies within the EU.”

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said he was proud to host the historic meeting: “For the first time in history, outside current EU borders. But also within its future borders. I am grateful to the European Union and personally to @JosepBorrellF for the unwavering EU support for Ukraine.”

EU stands with Ukraine

Several EU foreign ministers expressed the commitment of their countries to continue supporting Ukraine’s fight. Hungary and Poland were absent. Hungary is an openly pro-Russian country within the heart of Europe. Although offered exceptional support to Ukraine, Poland is ahead of the snap parliamentary elections on 15 October 2023, and the ruling party is deploying a populist campaign that includes the “grain” conflict with Kyiv.

Antonio Tajani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy, which will have the next presidency of G7, said Italy “will do its part”.

“Just arrived in #Kiev after an overnight train ride from Poland. Together with the other EU Foreign Ministers, we will follow up on the commitments made in defense of #Ucraina,” Tajani posted on X.

French Minister of Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna said the meeting is “A demonstration of our support for Ukraine