EU Leaders Agree to Defense Surge, Support Ukraine After US Halts Military Aid

European nations are increasingly worried that Russia might be emboldened and could attack a European Union state next.

European Council President Antonio Costa (L) and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (R) greet Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as he arrives at the Special European Council to discuss continued support for Ukraine and European defense at the EU headquarters in Brussels on March 6, 2025. Nicolas Tucat/AFP via Getty Images

European Union (EU) leaders on March 6 supported plans to increase defense spending and said they would stand with Ukraine after the Trump administration froze military aid.

EU leaders met in Brussels on Thursday to conduct emergency talks on strengthening the continent’s militaries and supporting Ukraine. Announced on Feb. 27, the summit follows efforts by European nations to surge defense spending throughout the continent after recent policy changes in Washington.