European Council President António Costa has announced that the EU will decide on the sources of Ukraine's funding in December 2025.

Source: Costa at a press conference following the European Council meeting in Brussels

Details: Costa said that the key message of the summit was the reaffirmation of long-term support for Kyiv.

"We will support Ukraine as much as necessary for as long as it takes," he stressed.

He added that the European Commission has been tasked with swiftly developing and proposing options to enable Ukraine to defend itself against Russia.

"Russia should take good note of this: Ukraine will have the financial resources it needs to defend itself against Russia's aggression in the foreseeable future," Costa said.

The European Council president clarified that it is now necessary to work through the technical, legal and financial aspects of this support and that the issue will be finalised at the December meeting of the European Council.

In addition to financial guarantees, EU leaders approved the 19th package of sanctions aimed at increasing pressure on Russia and its military machine. They also agreed on measures to strengthen and coordinate efforts to undermine the activities of Russia's "shadow fleet", which is used to evade oil sanctions.

"We continue to use all means at our disposal to put Ukraine in a position of strength if and when negotiations with Putin start. We hope this moment comes soon. But no matter the circumstances, our message is clear: Europe will not let Ukraine down," Costa emphasised.

The summit also paid special attention to strengthening the EU's own defence capabilities. Costa announced that the foundations of the European defence strategy have been completed, identifying key priorities such as countering drones and enhancing air defence, with a particular focus on the eastern flank. Clear deadlines have been set: relevant coalitions are to be established by the end of 2025 and the launch of specific projects is planned for early 2026.

"Europe's defence is not just about spending more. It's about spending smarter, working together and delivering for our citizens. This is how we build Europe's sovereignty," he said.

Background:

• Zelenskyy announced that the European Union had committed to providing financial assistance to Ukraine until 2027 and reaffirmed its political will to use frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's benefit.
• EU leaders approved conclusions on Ukraine on 23 October, reaffirming the Union's commitment to meeting Ukraine's financial and military needs in 2026-2027. Twenty-six EU member states supported the document, with Hungary once again withholding its support.

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