Jerome Hughes
Press TV, Brussels
The 2022 EU Ambassadors’ Conference was launched on Monday in Brussels against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine and its global consequences. Ambassadors from the EU’s 145 delegations and offices around the world took part.
Tensions between the West and Russia are rising. One official in Moscow claims a truck was used to attack the Crimean bridge last Saturday and had traveled through EU-nation Bulgaria. The European Commission was asked to respond.
No one has yet claimed responsibility, but some analysts say the move was a strategic mistake.
Twelve months ago, EU agency the European Court of Auditors determined Ukraine is corrupt to the core. Despite this, the nation is set to become part of the EU's long-term budget. The European Commission says Kiev needs €3.5bn per month to run the country.
Fighting intensified on Monday as Russia's military struck Kiev and other Ukrainian cities. The latest position from the West's perspective is due to become clearer later this week when a meeting of NATO defense ministers takes place here in the Belgian capital. Also, an EU leaders' summit is due to take place here at the end of next week. Analysts are not anticipating there will be many references made to peace talks.