“EU leaders said that Russian assets will be frozen until the end of the war and payment of compensation to Ukraine December 19, 19:23 Share: EU leaders meeting in Brussels, December 19, 2024 (Photo: REUTERS/Johanna Geron) The European Council has again condemned Russia’s unleashed war against Ukraine and emphasized the unwavering commitment of the EU to political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic assistance to Ukrainians “as much as is needed.” This is stated in”, — write on: ua.news
Meeting of EU leaders in Brussels, December 19, 2024 (Photo: REUTERS/Johanna Geron)
The European Council once again condemned the war unleashed by Russia against Ukraine and emphasized the unwavering commitment of the EU to political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic assistance to Ukrainians “as much as it takes.”
This is stated in the conclusions of the European Council following the meeting of EU leaders in Brussels on Thursday, December 19.
It is noted that the Council “confirms its support for a comprehensive, just and sustainable peace based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law, in accordance with the main principles and goals of the peace formula of Ukraine.”
It is also about the fact that the European Council reviewed the achievements in the issue of military support to Ukraine.
“In order to help Ukraine effectively defend itself against Russian aggression, the European Council calls for an urgent increase in efforts, in particular, to supply air defense systems, ammunition and missiles, as well as to provide the necessary training and equipment for Ukrainian brigades,” the European Council emphasized.
The European Council called for accelerating the strengthening of the EU’s military aid mission to Ukraine.
The conclusion states that the total payments under the Ukraine Facility in 2024 will amount to 16.2 billion euros. In 2025, payments are expected to reach 12.5 billion euros.
In addition, the European Council will allocate 18.1 billion euros of macro-financial assistance to Ukraine as part of the G7 initiative to accelerate revenues, and the first tranche will arrive in January 2025.
The Eurocouncil also condemned the Russian strikes on the energy and civil infrastructure of Ukraine and called for increased material support and acceleration of its delivery to help Ukraine maintain the energy infrastructure.
“Efforts to further limit Russia’s ability to wage war must continue. The European Council welcomes the adoption of the 15th package of sanctions against Russia, including measures against the “shadow fleet” of the Russian Federation. According to EU legislation, Russian assets must remain frozen until Russia stops its aggressive war against Ukraine and compensates for the damages caused to it,” the Eurocouncil emphasized.
The EU considers the supply of weapons and the deepening of cooperation between Russia, North Korea and Iran, as well as the use of North Korean troops on the front against Ukraine, “an international escalation with serious consequences for international peace and security.”
The European Council called “all countries to immediately stop any direct or indirect aid to Russia.”
The conclusion also mentioned the Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine, which Italy will hold in July 2025.
“The European Union, in coordination with international partners, remains committed to supporting the restoration and reconstruction of Ukraine and will continue close cooperation and support for reforms on Ukraine’s path to Europe,” the Eurocouncil concluded.
On December 19, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi arrived at the meeting of the European Council in Brussels.
During the conversation with journalists, the President of Ukraine stated that he intends to discuss the protection of the Ukrainian energy sector at the meeting of the European Council.
Zelensky arrived in Brussels to participate in the meeting of the European Council on December 18. He held a meeting, in particular, with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and French President Emmanuel Macron.