World
Europe’s Response to Ukraine’s Resilience
Explore how Europe is supporting and acknowledging Ukraine’s resilience in the face of challenges, reflecting on the region’s response to the ongoing situation.
As Putin wages an ongoing illegal war and invasion, the rest of Europe is watching as Ukraine shows a resilience and spirit unseen in many nations. This resilience not only comes in the form of standing up to Russia’s aggression but also through maintaining its international commitments to those in the world suffering from the risk of famine and malnutrition.
EU’s Financial and Diplomatic Support
The European Union remains a strong supportive partner for Ukraine, and the €50 billion aid package, supported strongly by Germany and approved at the end of January, is making a crucial difference in keeping Ukraine in this fight for its homeland and values. Germany itself continues to provide key financial support to the Grain from Ukraine Initiative, including contributing financially to the transport and distribution of shipments to countries in the Global South.
‘Breadbasket of the world’ still helps those in need
A key opportunity to galvanize diplomatic avenues will be at the peace summit in Switzerland on 15-16 June, which will see world leaders gather to discuss how Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s peace plan can become a reality.
Between the end of the grain deal in July of last year and the end of this February, over 20 million tonnes of grain have been shipped to 42 countries, supporting areas at most risk of famine due to environmental effects or regional conflict.
We need to clearly show what Putin’s ambitions are
Unfortunately, Putin’s forces continue to have success in their destabilization efforts. Key European Union member states like Germany must go further, using all their diplomatic, economic, and soft power to engage with African nations to share the message of what Putin’s ambitions are for the continent.
Therefore, I call on the European Commission to announce at the forthcoming Peace Summit its contribution of at least €200 million to the Grain from Ukraine Initiative, matching all already pledged contributions by other donors.
Neven Mimica is a Goodwill Ambassador for President Zelenskyy’s Grain from Ukraine Initiative. He is a former deputy prime minister of Croatia and diplomat who served as European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development from 2014 to 2019.
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