On October 16, 2026, the President of the European Council, António Costa, stated that the support for Ukraine from the European Union remains as strong as ever. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of continuing to support Ukraine amid the ongoing war.
Steadfast Support for Ukraine
Costa highlighted that now is not the time to withdraw support for Ukraine. He called for an increase in assistance, stating that:
- Support for Ukraine should remain at a high level.
- It is necessary to increase pressure on Russia.
These statements reaffirm the EU's determination to support Ukraine in its struggle for independence and territorial integrity.
Sanctions Against Russia
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, also backed this position, stating that sanctions against Russia will not be lifted until the country ends the war. This indicates the unity of the EU on the issue of pressuring Russia to end the conflict.
Von der Leyen noted that lifting sanctions at this time would be inappropriate, as it could undermine efforts to restore peace in the region.