President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with President of the European Council António Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.
The Head of State thanked the leaders of the EU institutions for their visit to Kyiv on the day of the fourth anniversary of the beginning of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.
“Europe has stood with us throughout these difficult, really difficult years, and our people trust Europe. They know we are not alone. In many ways all of this is thanks to your personal efforts, your work and friendship, our friendship,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.
During the meeting, specific steps that could bring peace closer were discussed. In particular, this concerned amendments to European Union legislation that would make it possible to stop Russian tankers and seize the oil they transport. Further pressure on Russia is needed, primarily regarding the Russian shadow fleet in European waters, as well as Russian oil and gas on European markets.
“This is the form of diplomacy Russia understands, and I thank all leaders who support it. This has to be done in the interest of all Europe,” the President of Ukraine emphasized.
Among other important topics was the European Union’s €90 billion loan for 2026–2027, which should begin working as soon as possible and as effectively as possible. According to Ursula von der Leyen, this decision has already been made and cannot be reversed.
“We will ensure this loan one way or another. We have different ways to do this, and we will use them,” the President of the European Commission assured.
The leaders paid separate attention to energy support and strengthening air defense. The Head of State noted the readiness of the European Commission to join the implementation of Ukraine’s updated energy strategy.
“And while we are helping you get through this winter, we are already preparing together for the next winter. We will work on a new winter energy plan for 2026–2027: Repair, Rebuild, Restart. It will include a €920 million package to stabilize Ukraine’s energy system,” Ursula von der Leyen said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, António Costa, and Ursula von der Leyen also spoke about the details of a key geopolitical security guarantee for Ukraine and for all of Europe – a clear date for Ukraine’s accession to the European Union.
“The year 2027 is very important for us and, I hope, doable, so that Putin cannot block our membership for decades,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.
The President of the European Council noted that Ukraine has already achieved significant progress in implementing European reforms.
“The future of Ukraine is in the European Union. A successful, democratic Ukraine in the European Union is also a security guarantee for all of Europe, and this is one of the key elements of the peace process,” António Costa stated.
