The large EU delegation that arrived in Kiev today is there to send a message of solidarity, says BNR foreign commentator Bernard Hammelburg. “It’s a bit of a gimmick, but to show that the European Union is behind Ukraine.”
President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kiev today by train with fifteen European commissioners in tow, none of whom were Frans Timmermans. The Dutch commissioner was left behind as a “designated survivor”. And while the delegation is serious in size, Hammelburg thinks it’s not much in the way of content. “There are important things on the agenda, such as whether Ukraine can join the EU or NATO faster, or whether Ukraine will get planes,” Hammelburg says. But the answer to all questions is no. So it won’t change much in the locations as they were already there.’
While cynicism may grow among Ukrainian President Zelensky over the EU’s hardline stance, Hammelburg thinks what he has achieved should be watched. “He’s always pushed for more and better guns, and so far he’s won almost everything,” he says. “He’s also gotten the Americans to deliver medium-range missiles, which is a huge boost for him.”
Huge risk
In addition, the Americans also promised Patriot tanks and systems. Something that was far from a reality six weeks ago. “We wouldn’t have believed it then, and now it’s here,” Hammelburg continues. “So your insistence on those planes is understandable.”
But, Hammelburg points out, possible aircraft deliveries pose too great a risk. “It’s not that the West won’t give Ukraine planes, but the risk of trouble on Russian territory is so great that the EU and NATO won’t run it.”
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
