President of the EU Council Antonio Costa says now is the time to strengthen Ukraine for all scenarios.
He was speaking at a summit of EU leaders in Brussels on Thursday, the last such summit of the year.
His comments come with the bitter war in Ukraine grinding on and with concerns about recent Russian military gains in parts of the affected area.
The new EU council president said the meeting in Brussels focused on two main issues: Ukraine and the European Union in the world.
He told reporters afterwards that, on Ukraine “I can tell you that the mood in the room was one of strong determination.”
He added, “Our message remains crystal clear: the European Union stands united in its support of Ukraine to win a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.”
The Portuguese official said, “Not any peace, not capitulation.”
“Only Ukraine, as the aggressed country, can legitimately define what peace means, and if and when the conditions are met for credible negotiations.”
He told the media, “So now is not the time to speculate about different scenarios – now is the time to strengthen Ukraine for all scenarios.”
“The discussion today confirmed that the European Union is ready to do whatever it takes, for as long as necessary, to put Ukraine in a position of strength for what comes next.
“This is the message that we gave to President Zelenskyy.”
He went on, “To achieve this objective, we are taking concrete steps: first, we will implement the 15th sanctions package against Russia we approved this week. This package closes loopholes and limits circumvention, and especially targets the so-called shadow fleet.”
“Second, we have already delivered about €130 billion of financial support and we will deliver an additional €30 billion in 2025.”
“Third, we will increase the pressure on those who directly or indirectly contribute to the international escalation of the war and damage international peace and security by supporting Russia.”
He said EC president Ursula von der Leyen and himself will continue to explore ways and means to increase the support to Ukraine.
Costa, speaking close to the 50th anniversary of the first ever meeting of the European Council continued, “A final word on Ukraine. Let me be very clear about what this conflict is about. Russia’s war of aggression is not just a war on European territory.”
“It is a war against the international community. Because Russia is violating universal, fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and international law: sovereignty, territorial integrity, self-determination.”
