rki.news | Source: Xinhua
BRUSSELS, October 16: European Union leaders have pledged financial and military support for Ukraine, reaffirming their commitment to its EU membership as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attended the second day of an EU summit on Friday.
European Council President Antonio Costa said the bloc must strengthen support for Kyiv and increase pressure on Russia to bring Moscow to the negotiating table. He stressed that the EU should neither withdraw assistance nor ease sanctions against Russia.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU was preparing its 22nd sanctions package against Russia, accusing Moscow of failing to respect a proposed energy ceasefire.
Leaders also discussed Ukraine’s winter preparations and its financial and military requirements for 2026 and 2027.
Zelensky thanked the EU for its assistance, highlighting the urgent need to secure energy supplies, air defence systems and funding ahead of winter.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called for stronger support, while acknowledging Europe’s short-term dependence on US military technology, particularly Starlink.
Costa and von der Leyen reaffirmed support for Ukraine’s EU accession, welcoming progress in opening two additional negotiating clusters. Von der Leyen said the goal was to open the final two clusters by year-end, while Zelensky pledged continued reforms.
EU Leaders Pledge Continued Military and Financial Support for Ukraine
