Yahoo TV

STORY: EU ministers convened in Kyiv on Monday (October 2) in their first ever meeting outside the bloc, providing striking photo opportunities for a succession of ministers in front of EU flags in the war-time capital.

And marking their support for Ukraine after both a pro-Russian candidate won an election in Slovakia and the U.S. Congress left Ukraine war aid out of its spending bill.

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba brushed off both events, especially the move in the U.S., as he greeted EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell.

“We don't feel that the U.S support has been shattered…because the United States understands that what is at stake in Ukraine is much bigger than just Ukraine. It’s about the stability and predictability of the world and therefore I believe that we will be able to find a necessary solutions.”

Borrell used Monday's meeting in Kyiv to propose a new $5.2 billion bilateral envelope of the European peace facility to Ukraine.

As well as reiterate the bloc’s support for the country.

“For us, Europeans, it is an existential threat. Maybe it’s not being seen like this for everybody around the world, but for us, Europeans, allow me to repeat it: it’s an existential threat. And that’s why we have to continue supporting you and discussing with our American allies and friends for them too continue supporting you. I am sure that this decision will be reconsidered and all together we will be on your side.”

But it comes at an awkward time for the Western alliance that has supported Kyiv.

The summer is coming to a close after a slower-than-expected Ukrainian military counter-offensive.

And Western leaders haven't seen the major success they'd hoped for before autumn mud clogs the treads of their donated tanks.

Russia says that the U.S. Congressional vote omitting Ukraine aid is a sign of, quote, war "fatigue", while acknowledging that America will continue its involvement in this conflict.

Though with elections looming in the U.S., some of Republican frontrunner Donald Trump's supporters have called for a halt to Ukraine aid.

Ukrainian president Vlodomyr Zelenskiy reiterated in his address to EU ministers the vital nature of their support.

While Germany urged allies to help Ukraine prepare for winter after Russia bombed Ukraine's energy infrastructure last year.