Representatives of 6 countries and EU to meet in Madrid to discuss achieving "peace through strength" for Ukraine

The foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, and the United Kingdom, together with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas and European Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubilius, will gather in Madrid for the fourth meeting of the Ukraine Support Group in the "Weimar+" format on Monday 31 March. The discussions will centre on providing further military assistance and security assurances to Ukraine, as well as Europe's future participation in the peace process.

Source: a senior official from one of the EU member states speaking to European Pravda on condition of anonymity

Details: The source said that the EU aims to intensify efforts to help Ukraine achieve peace through strength, which includes plans to scale up military assistance.

Quote: "The meeting will be divided into two sections. The first will focus on boosting European security, the EU's Readiness 2030 defence initiative, and Kubilius' White Paper. The second stage will concentrate on increasing military support for Ukraine, with an emphasis on attaining peace through strength."

Details: The official clarified that both sessions will include discussions on establishing lasting peace in Ukraine and enhancing the EU’s defence capabilities.

Quote: "There will also be talks on security guarantees for Ukraine from Western states, the potential contribution of the Weimar+ countries to a ceasefire process in Ukraine, and Europe’s role in the diplomatic efforts to establish peace."

More details: The Madrid meeting is taking place ahead of an informal summit of EU defence ministers in Warsaw, which will primarily assess the EU’s real capacity to increase military support for Ukraine – particularly the urgent provision of ammunition to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Background: At the coalition of the willing summit held in Paris on 27 March, agreements were reached to announce new military aid packages for Ukraine at the next Ukraine Defence Contact Group (also known as Ramstein format) meeting, scheduled for 11 April in Brussels.

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