Ukraine not main topic of EU summit for first time since war began

Shift in priorities in Brussels

For the first time since the start of the war, the issue of supporting Ukraine has not been at the centre of attention for European Union leaders. According to Politico, the Ukrainian agenda has taken a back seat at the summit, which begins today in Brussels.

Rather than discussing security and the war, European leaders are focusing on other challenges. Their main concerns at present are rising energy prices and the complexities associated with forming the EU budget.

Zelensky's strategy

To refocus international attention on the Ukrainian agenda, President Volodymyr Zelensky changed the schedule of his visit. He arrived in Brussels a day earlier than planned to hold a series of bilateral meetings with European leaders.

Disagreement over the president's rhetoric

Meanwhile, there is a divergence of opinion among European politicians regarding the public stance of the Ukrainian leader. Some EU leaders have expressed concern over Zelensky's criticism of Donald Trump. They believe that such rhetoric "does not help the cause".

However, other European politicians emphasise that it is unacceptable to criticise Zelensky, as he is "waging a war for survival".