France, Dec. 18 -- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered a clear and urgent message ahead of a key EU summit taking place in Brussels this Thursday: Europe must decide- and quickly- how it will keep Ukraine afloat financially as the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion approaches.

Speaking to members of the European Parliament on Wednesday, von der Leyen laid out the choice in stark terms, framing financial support for Kyiv as a core pillar of Europe's own security.

"There is no more important act of European defence than supporting Ukraine's defence," she said. "The next days will be a crucial step for securing this. It is up to us to choose how we fund Ukraine's fight."

€90 billion loan

Leaders wil...