European leaders agreed to surge defense spending and voiced near-unanimous support for Ukraine at an extraordinary meeting on Thursday, as the continent attempts once again to grasp control of negotiations over the war in Ukraine.

From "watershed moment" to "turning point," there's been no shortage of declarations about the danger from Russia as the US turns on Ukraine and Europe. But did EU leaders rise to the challenge regarding defense?

European leaders are grappling with a strategy to safeguard Ukraine against a Russian assault in a bold move that could redefine the battlefield dynamics. There is a proposal for a European-Ukraine air protection plan that could halt Russian missile attacks.