European Leaders Reaffirm Support for Ukraine Amid Tensions With the US
At a European Council summit in Brussels, EU leaders pledged to keep backing Ukraine and ruled out easing sanctions on Russia. The statements came as relations between Kyiv and Washington deteriorate.
European Union leaders assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday in Brussels that they do not intend to end their support for Ukraine, and ruled out any easing of sanctions against Russia. The statements came on the second day of the European Council, the meeting of EU member-state leaders, at a time when relations between Kyiv and Washington are worsening.
Zelensky in Brussels
Zelensky joined the EU leaders at the meeting. Before it began, he thanked what he called "real leaders" for Europe's help, saying Ukraine counts on that backing to continue. According to him, the European Council, the European Commission and the leaders have stood with Ukraine since the start of the war.
Aid to Ukraine is one of the key topics on the agenda. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the leaders would discuss financial and military support, preparations for winter and Kyiv's next steps on the path to EU membership. They will also address military financing and budget needs for both 2026 and 2027.
Pressure on Russia
Von der Leyen recalled that the EU backed the "energy ceasefire" proposed by US President Donald Trump, but said Russia had not observed it for a single minute and had instead escalated. For that reason, she argued, pressure on Russia must increase. A 22nd sanctions package is currently being prepared and, as the Commission head stressed, no sanction will be lifted until Russia ends the war.
European Council President António Costa also said Europe is not changing course. He said now is not the time to stop supporting Ukraine or to ease sanctions on Russia. In his view, support and pressure should be stepped up to push Russia to agree to a genuine ceasefire, sit down at the negotiating table and stop the war.
Background
The European politicians' words come as relations between Kyiv and Washington have sharply worsened. The source notes that in recent days the White House has taken several steps toward the Kremlin, easing the sanctions regime while also pressuring Ukraine.
