Zelensky In Brussels As Much Of West Turns Its Focus To Israel-Hamas War

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a surprise visit to NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on Wednesday as top defence officials representing members of the military alliance gathered to consider how many more weapons the West can offer Ukraine.

Zelensky’s surprise appearance at the meeting came against a backdrop of much of the West turning its attention to the violent Israel-Hamas conflict in the Middle East. If it drags out, the assault threatens to divert resources from the Kyiv government.

Germany, Belgium, UK Pledge Billions In New Aid For Ukraine

Such a diversion is not expected to happen in the near future, according to officials and experts, since Israel and Ukraine are using different kinds of air defences to protect their respective territories. Nonetheless, the latest war has been raging on for at least five days.

Germany announced an estimated $1 billion in weapons on Tuesday night, hours before the two days meetings began on Wednesday. Britain also pledged about $122 million in new aid, on top of an additional $86 million in air defence systems.

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Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo has announced a $1.8 billion fund that will use tax in Russian frozen assets, while also revealing the country would support the Kyiv government with F-16 fighter jets from 2025. Zelensky expressed his gratitude to Belgium.

Taking to X, previously known as Twitter, on Wednesday afternoon, the Ukrainian president wrote: “Belgium has become the first country to start using frozen Russian assets to support protection from Russian terror.”

Ukraine Remains Foremost On NATO’s Minds

Shortly after arriving in Brussels, Zelensky again emphasised how valuable it was to have the support of allies. “I remember the first days of our full-scale war … It was very important to not be alone … So my recommendation to the leaders is to go to Israel and add their support.”

Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg sought to make clear Ukraine remained foremost on the alliance’s minds. “Your fight is our fight,” he noted Wednesday morning, adding: “We will stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes.”