Borrell says he is not optimistic about the events in Ukraine

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, is "not optimistic" about the events in Ukraine this summer and predicts a new Russian military offensive.

The EU's chief diplomat said this at the Cercle d'Economia conference in Barcelona, Yevropeiska Pravda reports, citing La Vanguardia and the BBC.

"I am not optimistic about what will happen in Ukraine this summer," Borrell said.

In his opinion, Moscow will not sit down at the negotiating table without first trying to win the war in Ukraine.

"He (Putin - ed.) tried once and failed," the EU's top diplomat said, adding that Russia will try to recapture Ukraine despite significant losses of the Russian army.

"It (Russia - ed.) is still strong, we should not underestimate it," he added.

Borrell emphasized the need to increase military spending to meet the defense challenges facing Europe.

He called Russia's military presence in Ukraine "colossal".

"Putin has assembled more than 300,000 people there, twice as many as when he started the invasion," Borrell said.

In his opinion, the daily shelling, killing of civilians, and destruction of infrastructure indicate that Russia has a plan and is sticking to it.

"I'm afraid that all of this is not happening by chance and without a plan, and we need to be prepared for the conflict to continue, and therefore continue to help Ukraine, because if we don't help it, Ukraine will not be able to defend itself," he said.

Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 30/05/2023