European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said that Ukraine must become a “steel porcupine, undigestible for potential invaders”.
Ursula von der layen, who stated this yesterday at a press conference, alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, added that there was need for strong security guarantees to protect both Ukraine and Europe’s vital security interests.
“We must have strong security guarantees to protect both Ukraine and Europe’s vital security interests. Ukraine must be able to uphold its sovereignty and its territorial integrity,” von der Leyen added, ahead of today’s Washington DC meeting.
“There can be no limitations on Ukrainian armed forces, be it cooperation with or other third countries, or assistance from other third countries. No limitations for the Ukrainian Armed Forces,” she continued.
Von der Leyen said that she welcomed US President Donald Trump’s “willingness to contribute to Article Five,” adding that the “coalition of the willing” — Ukraine’s main European allies — is “ready to do its share.”
“With regards to any territorial questions in Ukraine, our position is clear. International borders cannot be changed by force,” von de Leyen said. “These are decisions to be made by Ukraine and Ukraine alone, and these decisions cannot be taken without Ukraine at the table.”
We’ll continue to bring you the key lines from the press conference, stay with us.