The President of the European Council, António Costa, had a phone conversation with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, on August 19. Just before this, Costa discussed the situation with other members of the European Council, emphasizing the unwavering support for Ukraine from the European Union and the intention to continue pressure on Russia.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Joint Efforts on Security Guarantees
António Costa highlighted the main priorities of the EU regarding Ukraine: stopping the violence, advancing prisoner exchanges, and returning thousands of children abducted by Russia. According to the President of the European Council, the EU, together with the United States, will work on developing specific and necessary security guarantees for Ukraine.
“Our main priorities are to stop the killings, advance prisoner exchanges, and ensure the return of thousands of children abducted by Russia. We will work together with the United States on specific and necessary security guarantees,” Costa stated.
Costa also noted that the EU, in collaboration with the USA and Ukraine, plans to outline the next steps towards achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
Support for Ukraine and Sanction Pressure on Russia
The President of the Euro Council added that support for the Ukrainian people and the continuation of the EU enlargement process remain priorities. He emphasized that Ukraine’s future is tied to the prosperity and stability that EU membership will provide.
President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the conversation, clarifying that the Euro Council meeting preceding the dialogue was dedicated to summarizing the negotiations with US President Donald Trump in Washington. Zelensky stressed that he discussed the outcomes of the Euro Council meeting and further joint actions with Costa, noting the unity and stable support from the European Union. Both sides agreed to continue close cooperation.
Separately, the leaders discussed the preparation of the 19th EU sanctions package against Russia, as well as the issue of further advancing Ukraine’s path to EU membership.
It is known that on August 18, Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Washington, where he met with Donald Trump. Key European allies, including French President Emmanuel Macron, joined the discussions.
This meeting took place after negotiations between the US President and the President of the Russian Federation, which were held on August 15 in Alaska. The main topic of discussion was achieving peace in Ukraine; however, the details of the agreements were not disclosed.