Amid the diplomatic crisis facing Ukraine in the war against Russia’s invasion, the European Union ambassador to New Zealand has signalled more support will be announced soon.
It comes at a time the US under President Donald Trump is signalling a withdrawal of support, and negotiating directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin to cut both Ukraine and the European Union out of peace talks.
In an interview with Q+A , ambassador Lawrence Meredith said the European Union would continue to support both Ukraine’s war effort, and the ability of its government to function.
“This needs to be a peace through strength, and the European Union is strongly committed to supporting Ukraine’s position,” said Meredith, noting 135 billion Euros (NZ$245,997,000,000) and additional military assistance had been provided already over the last three years since the invasion.
“We are by far the largest supporter – we’re providing just as much assistance as the United States,” said Meredith.
“We are equipping them with what they need in terms of ammunition and defence systems, and you’ll see the European Union really step up to the mark to help Ukraine very shortly, I’m very sure of that. ”Meredith also disagreed with a suggestion from Trump that Ukraine itself had started the war with Russia, a comment subsequently walked back by the recently re-elected President.
The EU ambassador said peace talks must include Ukraine and the European Union would support that aim, in order for any peace settlement to be lasting.
“We believe it’s really important that there should be nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.”
What should NZ be doing?
As for New Zealand’s role, Meredith called attention to a history of shared sacrifice between New Zealand and European countries, along with shared values.
“One thing that I’ve found in the first year I’ve been here in New Zealand is how strong a sense you have of values,” said Meredith.
“The European Union was forged out of the ashes of two horrific world wars – at that time, the United States was one of our closest allies, and I think we all understand many Kiwis tragically died fighting for freedom in Europe.
“We also hold very dear the sacrifices over a century New Zealanders have made, and they continue to show steadfast support for Ukraine, precisely because New Zealanders, like Europeans, believe in these values of freedom, justice, and peace.”
Meanwhile, as the US and Russia push ahead — so far without Ukraine at the table – on talks to end the war, political and military leaders in Europe were fleshing out details of a plan for European forces to help ensure Moscow didn’t attack again.
After months of quiet discussions, the proposal has become increasingly public. It would likely be on the agenda when UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, two major backers of the idea, visited Washington on separate days next week for talks with President Trump.
Membership of the NATO alliance
The security guarantee that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky really wanted was NATO membership. European members of the military alliance still backed that goal, but the US looked to have taken it off the table, along with Ukrainian hopes of regaining the 20% of its territory seized by Russia.
In the absence of NATO membership, Zelensky has said that more than 100,000 European troops could be needed in Ukraine to guarantee the conflict didn’t flare up again after a ceasefire.
But Western officials said what was being discussed was a “reassurance force”, not an army of peacekeepers posted along the 1000km front line in Ukraine’s east.
The proposal, supported by the United Kingdom and France, would put fewer than 30,000 European troops on the ground in Ukraine — away from the front line at key infrastructure sites such as nuclear power plants — backed by Western air and sea power.
Under the plan, the front line would largely be monitored remotely, with drones and other technology. Air power based outside Ukraine — perhaps in Poland or Romania — would be in reserve to deter breaches and reopen Ukrainian airspace to commercial flights.
New Zealand’s PM Christopher Luxon has not ruled out the possibility of New Zealand peacekeepers being sent to Ukraine on the conclusion of hostilities.
— additional reporting from Associated Press.
Q+A with Jack Tame is made with the support of NZ on Air
