EU Summit Pledges Support as Ukraine Seeks Satellite Independence

European Union leaders concluded a summit in Brussels marked by pledges of continued support for Ukraine, acknowledging significant financial shortfalls and the urgent need to reduce Kyiv's dependence on US technology, particularly satellite systems. The summit's core message was unity, but the underlying tone was one of concern over reliability of Western partners. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated the approved 90-billion-euro loan will not suffice for 2027, calling for new aid packages in the coming months. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that the US-imposed speed restrictions on the Starshield satellite system disrupted operations against Russian drones and missiles, though the system is now partially restored. In response, the EU is pursuing independent satellite infrastructure, including the planned Iris2 network and a proposed alternative system involving France, Germany, and Britain with commercial provider Eutelsat. Zelenskyy noted Ukraine is not seeking to fully replace Starlink but to build additional capacities, while remaining dependent on US data for ballistic missile early warning.