Before the start of the special meeting of the heads of state and government of the European Union in Cyprus, 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 them for today’s decision to unblock €90 billion in financial support for Ukraine for 2026–2027.
“Thank you very much for this important, fundamental decision. This is a decision of all leaders and of the unanimity of the European Union. Great progress today. A €90 billion support package and a sanctions package, which is also a great signal,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
According to the President, it is important to ensure that the relevant funds are delivered as quickly as possible. This is crucial for strengthening Ukrainian warriors, expanding defense production, and reinforcing air defense.
António Costa emphasized that two important steps were taken today on the path toward achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. This will strengthen Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression and increase pressure on Russia.
“Now is the time to look forward and to prepare for the next step. And the next step is to open the first cluster of negotiations for Ukraine’s accession to the European Union,” the President of the European Council noted.
Ursula von der Leyen stressed that the European Union has delivered on its commitment to provide financial support to Ukraine.
“I think that it is possible to have the first tranche of the 45 billion that are assigned for the year 2026 still this quarter. We have agreed that one-third of the loan goes to budgetary needs and two-thirds of the loan go into defense. And I think the first package will be a drone package – drones from Ukraine for Ukraine,” the President of the European Commission said.
Another important step was the approval of the 20th package of sanctions against Russia, which provides for increased pressure on the energy sector and Russia’s shadow fleet, as well as new restrictions on financial institutions in third countries and companies supporting Russia’s military-industrial complex.
The President of Ukraine also noted that our country will continue to work together with the leadership of the European Union to push Russia toward real diplomacy and bring this war to an end.
During the meeting, the parties also discussed in detail the life-protection system within the Drone Deal format, which Ukraine has already proposed to certain European countries. The Head of State spoke about his visits to countries of the Middle East and the specific security agreements Ukraine has signed with partners in the region. Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine is offering similar cooperation to Europe and has already begun work in this direction. António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen noted the results of the President’s visits to the Middle East and supported Ukraine’s efforts to build a new security system. The teams of Ukraine and the European Union will remain in contact to work out the details.
