EU leaders agreed on Thursday to boost defence spending amid concerns about waning US support for European security. US President Donald Trump has caused turmoil in recent weeks by cozying up to Russia, withdrawing military aid to Ukraine and tearing up decades of cooperation with Europe.

The 27 EU leaders have agreed to relax budget restrictions to allow member states to increase defence spending. They also called on the European Commission to find new ways to “facilitate increased defence spending at national level in all Member States”.

The European Commission estimates that around €650 billion ($702 billion) could be freed up through these measures. Leaders also considered the Commission's proposal for a €150 billion ($162 billion) loan package to buy new military equipment, and asked EU headquarters staff to "examine this proposal urgently."

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stressed: "Europe must face this challenge, this arms race. And Europe must win." Mr. Tusk is confident that Europe has the ability to confront Russia militarily, financially and economically.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the defense spending plan a "turning point" for Ukraine and Europe, as the continent faces a "clear and present danger" and needs to "defend itself."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the plan and hoped part of the budget could be used to strengthen Ukraine's defense industry, which could produce weapons at lower costs and closer to the battlefield.

“We are grateful that we are not alone, and these are not just words. We feel it. This is very important,” Mr. Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a staunch Trump supporter and considered Russian President Vladimir Putin's closest ally in Europe, refused to back part of the summit statement regarding Ukraine.

However, the remaining 26 EU leaders adopted the bloc's position that there can be no talks on Ukraine without Ukraine's participation, and that Europe must be involved in any talks that concern its security.

Decades of reliance on US protection, coupled with differences over France's financing and use of its nuclear deterrent, mean that filling the void left by Washington will be difficult for the EU.

Cao Phong (according to BBC, CNN, AJ)