During his address at the International Conference on Supporting Ukraine in Kyiv, the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, stated, “Peace cannot merely be a temporary ceasefire; it must be a lasting agreement.” He further argued that “peace should not reward the aggressor,” urging the need to learn from past experiences, particularly the Budapest and Minsk agreements. He emphasized that “only solid and concrete security guarantees can deliver a comprehensive, just, and enduring peace for Ukraine and Europe.” Costa affirmed the EU’s commitment to ensure its security and ongoing support for Ukraine, announcing an extraordinary European Council meeting scheduled for March 6 to strengthen Europe’s defense alongside support for Ukraine.
In collaboration with the European Commission and its President Ursula von der Leyen, Costa expressed readiness to enhance defensive capabilities through significant investments, bolster economic and military assistance to Ukraine, and work towards integrating Ukraine’s future within the EU.
On the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, Costa condemned the full-scale assault initiated by Russia as “unprovoked, unjustified, and illegal,” highlighting its violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, internationally recognized borders, and the fundamental principles of international law upheld by the United Nations Charter.
Ursula von der Leyen announced an aid package of 3.5 billion euros for Kyiv
From Kyiv, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, announced today a new aid package amounting to 3.5 billion euros, while reiterating that Russian President Vladimir Putin aims to force Ukraine into submission.
“Putin is more determined than ever to win this war on the ground, seeking Ukraine’s capitulation. The outcomes of this conflict hold implications beyond Ukraine; they affect Europe’s future as well,” von der Leyen stated during the Kyiv summit commemorating the third anniversary of the invasion.
She emphasized that “our primary focus remains on bolstering Ukraine’s resistance,” noting that the EU and its member states have provided a total of 134 billion euros in aid, which she described as the largest assistance package from any entity. “Thanks to the Ukraine Facility and the G7 loan, we have bridged Ukraine’s fiscal gap for the entire year of 2025,” she added.
Von der Leyen announced that the new 3.5 billion euro aid will be released in March and emphasized the urgency of accelerating the supply of weapons and ammunition, which will be a priority in the upcoming weeks. At the extraordinary European Council on March 6, she plans to present a “comprehensive strategy to enhance our European weapons production and defense capabilities,” which will also be advantageous for Ukraine.
Furthermore, she revealed that the Commission has developed an ambitious energy security package for both Ukraine and the EU. By the end of next year, the electricity markets of Ukraine and Moldova are set to be fully integrated. Additionally, she stated, “We will fully harness Ukraine’s substantial natural gas reserves, with 80% located near EU member states,” creating a new revenue stream for Ukraine. (24/2/2025)
Leave a Reply