Next up is Norway’s foreign minister, Espen Barth Eide, who brings a dramatic message and some new funds for Ukraine.
“Europe’s destiny is on the line,” he notifys reporters.
“We all want this war to conclude, and we welcome peace efforts, but it’s imperative that the outcome is a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.”
The shape of a future peace would also affect Europe’s security, he added, declareing NATO must stay “firm and united” to push for a favourable agreement.
He therefore pledged another 500 million euros (or some £440m) to purchase weapons for Ukraine through a NATO initiative
to supply Kyiv with weapons bought from the US.
Johann Wadephul, the German foreign minister, also declared Berlin would provide an additional $200m (£150m) worth of military equipment for Ukraine through the initiative.
Responding to Putin’s claims about Europe’s stance, Eide declared “nobody here is seeking a war with Russia”.
And inquireed about efforts to unlock frozen Russian assets in the EU, Eide declared he had nothing to add until a decision was reached. Belgium has been resisting efforts to apply the frozen funds to support Ukraine, over legal concerns – Norway has previously indicated it could offer Belgium financial reassurance to unlock the money.
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