Eu Day Light

European Council President António Costa issued a statement on support for Ukraine and pressure on Russia.

Costa said coordination within the Coalition of the Willing is important in providing the comprehensive support Ukraine needs to prepare for the upcoming winter.

Costa said the EU is accelerating the implementation of the Ukraine Support Loan to strengthen air defense and energy infrastructure, adding that pressure on the Russian economy and Russia’s shadow fleet will continue and be intensified.

Stating that Russia must engage seriously in peace negotiations, Costa said escalation is not the solution and that diplomacy is the solution.

Costa said security in the Black Sea must be restored and that Russia must allow Ukrainian grain to reach the rest of the world. He said Russia is putting global food security at risk.

Costa said Ukraine’s accession process to the European Union would be advanced, stating: “Ukraine’s future is in the European Union.”

Costa also said that security guarantees would be provided to Ukraine after the war ends and that support for Ukraine would continue for as long as needed.