BRUSSELS (CHATNEWSTV) — European Union leaders reaffirmed their “continued and unwavering” support for Ukraine during a European Council meeting on Thursday, pledging further military, financial, and diplomatic assistance as the war against Russia continues.
“The European Union has stood by Ukraine from the very beginning, and we will continue to do so,” the Council said in a joint statement following talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
EU leaders stressed that any peace negotiations must be based on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “There can be no negotiations on Ukraine without Ukraine,” the statement read.
Military and Financial Support
The EU committed to providing Ukraine with €30.6 billion in financial support in 2025, including €12.5 billion from the Ukraine Facility and €18.1 billion from the G7 ERA initiative, funded by windfall profits from immobilized Russian assets.
Additionally, member states pledged to accelerate military aid, particularly the delivery of air defense systems, ammunition, and missiles, as well as training and equipping Ukrainian brigades.
“A Ukraine capable of defending itself effectively is an integral part of any future security guarantees,” EU leaders said, emphasizing plans to strengthen Ukraine’s defense industry and deepen cooperation with European defense manufacturers.
Pressure on Russia and Future Security
The Council also vowed to step up sanctions against Russia and ensure stronger enforcement of existing measures. It called for increased coordination on military support, including through the EU Military Assistance Mission in Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine).
As part of its long-term commitment, the EU pledged to explore security guarantees for Ukraine alongside NATO and like-minded partners, using common security and defense policy (CSDP) instruments.
Ukraine’s EU Path and Energy Concerns
EU leaders reiterated Ukraine’s right to determine its own future and vowed to intensify support for its reform efforts toward EU membership.
The Council also addressed concerns over gas transit through Ukraine, urging the European Commission, Slovakia, and Ukraine to work toward a resolution.
The EU is set to revisit Ukraine-related discussions at its next summit.
