OREANDA-NEWS  Ukraine is not a buffer zone, but a "new opportunity for Europe." This was stated by Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmygal, Interfax-Ukraine reports.

"We are not a buffer zone, we are not a grey zone, we are a new opportunity for Europe to rediscover its identity. We believe that Europe can rediscover itself in this historic storm, and that Ukraine can become a new anchor of stability," he said.

According to him, Kiev has every opportunity to become the European "industrial heart", which will allow Europe to rearm and ensure defense autonomy.

Earlier, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said he welcomed the EU's increased aid to Kiev. "Hegseth told allies on Friday that while he welcomes Europe's increased support for Ukraine, the Trump administration's position [on security guarantees to Kiev] remains the same," the statement said.