In Brussels, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of the European Council António Costa to coordinate positions ahead of today’s European Council meeting.
The Head of State emphasized the importance of the 19th package of EU sanctions against Russia, approved earlier this morning. The package includes restrictions targeting the shadow oil fleet, the banking and financial systems, a ban on the import of Russian LNG, and, for the first time, sanctions against crypto platforms and cryptocurrency schemes.
“Thank you very much for the invitation and for this decision on the 19th sanctions package. It is critically important. Russia shows no intention of stopping this war and continues to attack us – kindergartens, schools, civilians. That is why we must not only defend ourselves but, together with all of Europe and the United States, put pressure on Putin to stop this war,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
According to the President, such pressure must include sanctions, long-range weapons, the strengthening of air defense, and financial support for Ukraine.
The President of the European Council noted that Russia is intensifying its attacks on Ukraine’s critical and civilian infrastructure. Hence, the European Union and its member states must continue to support the Ukrainian people in their struggle for a just and lasting peace.
“Today, at the European Council meeting, we will adopt a political decision to confirm the provision of Ukraine’s financial needs for 2026 and 2027, including the procurement of military equipment,” António Costa stated.
Special attention during the meeting was given to defense assistance. Ukraine counts on the most effective cooperation within the SAFE instrument and the inclusion of Ukrainian defense needs in the investment plans of EU member states. Ukraine is also ready to contribute to the development of the European initiative to counter drones and has specific proposals.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and António Costa also discussed Ukraine’s accession process to the European Union, focusing on the steps necessary to open the negotiating clusters as soon as possible.
