Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting with European Council President António Costa ahead of the European Union summit. The parties discussed the deteriorating security situation due to the intensification of Russian strikes on civilian targets and the need for further coordination of actions to ensure peace.
This is reported by Kyiv24
EU Political Decisions on Financial Support for Ukraine
António Costa emphasized that, despite high expectations influenced by the initiatives of U.S. President Donald Trump, these proposals do not correspond to the real actions of Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to him, in response to the escalation of Russian attacks, the European Council will make political decisions at its upcoming meeting regarding the financial needs of Ukraine for 2026 and 2027, including the allocation of funds for military equipment.
“Russia is intensifying strikes on civilians, on civilian targets, which means we will continue to support Ukraine’s fight for a just and lasting peace,” he stated.
Costa stressed that future EU decisions will send a powerful signal to Russia, as support for Ukraine from the European Union will continue for as long as necessary and in the required volume.
Coordination of Positions and New Sanctions Package
Volodymyr Zelensky, after the negotiations, highlighted the importance of aligning positions between Ukraine and the European Union. The President thanked the EU for implementing the 19th sanctions package against Russia and emphasized the need for joint pressure on the Russian Federation from Europe and the U.S. to end the war.
During the meeting, issues of defense assistance, the implementation of the SAFE program, the prospects of Ukraine’s EU membership, and further steps to open negotiation clusters were discussed. Zelensky also thanked the President of the European Council for the invitation to participate in the meeting and noted that only decisive and united actions can compel Russia to cease its aggression.
Today, EU leaders gathered in Brussels to discuss the situation in Ukraine, European defense issues, recent events in the Middle East, economic competitiveness, housing problems, and migration. In light of the ongoing Russian attacks on the Ukrainian civilian population and infrastructure, summit participants are considering ways to enhance assistance to Ukraine and increase sanctions pressure on Russia to achieve sustainable peace.