Zelensky attends Eastern Partnership Summit, gains “full support”

President Volodymyr Zelensky flew to Brussels to
attend the Sixth EU Eastern Partnership Summit on Dec. 15. Besides speaking at
the summit, Zelensky also met with the new German chancellor Olaf Scholz,
French president Emmanuel Macron, and Austrian chancellor Karl Nehammer.
Ukraine “gained the full support” of the countries attending the summit,
president.gov.ua reported.

Zelensky stated that the summit statement contained
important points for Ukraine, including in relation to its struggle with
Russian aggression and the threat of invasion. Zelensky also said that Ukraine
is fully prepared for Normandy format negotiations, and that Ukraine, France,
and Germany have “a common position”. Ukraine also welcomes American participation in the
negotiations.

James Hydzik: The summit
focused more on Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty than on
prospects for EU membership, which is a short term win for the Russians
already. However, in the long run, proving one’s reliability requires
establishing a track record, which in terms of security, Ukraine is doing
admirably at Russia’s expense. There remains a bit of a problem in terms of
rule of law. Ukraine’s track record, from corporate governance in state-run
enterprises to COVID vaccination certificates, is an issue that won’t be
forgotten.