EU leaders condemn support of third countries that enables Russia to sustain its war
European Union leaders strongly condemned the support of third countries, including third country actors and entities, that enable Russia to sustain its war, according to a statement after the start of a two-day meeting of the European Council on December 19.
In this regard, the EU leaders emphasised that the arms transfer and deepening military cooperation between Russia, North Korea and Iran, as well as the deployment of North Korea’s military forces to Russia to be used in the war against Ukraine, represents an international escalation of the war with serious consequences for international peace and security.
EU leaders welcomed the adoption of the 15th package of sanctions against Russia, including measures against the “shadow fleet”.
The leaders also reiterated their call for the full and effective enforcement of sanctions, and for further measures to counter their circumvention, including through third countries.
Under EU law, Russia’s assets should remain frozen until Russia ends its war against Ukraine and compensates it for the damage caused.
EU leaders discussed how to strengthen Ukraine’s critical energy and civilian infrastructure for the winter and beyond.
In this context, they strongly condemned Russia’s intensified and deliberate campaign against infrastructure, called for material support to be increased, and commended EU member states for their electricity exports, while emphasising the importance of increasing such exports.
EU leaders welcomed the steadfast implementation of the Ukraine Facility, an EU instrument to provide predictable financial support to help Ukraine in its recovery, reconstruction and modernisation. Total payments from the facility are expected to reach 12.5 billion euro for 2025.
The leaders also welcomed the rapid implementation of the loan that the EU and the other G7 partners committed to provide, amounting to 45 billion euro ($50 billion).
Under this initiative, the EU plans to begin disbursements in January 2025, amounting to a total of 18.1 billion euro over the coming year.
EU leaders reviewed progress on military support for Ukraine, and called for quicker and more efficient delivery of air defence systems, ammunition and missiles, and for training and equipment for Ukrainian brigades.
In addition, they emphasised the importance of increasing support for Ukraine’s defence industry and deepening its cooperation with the EU defence industry.
More than 1000 days since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, EU leaders reiterated their condemnation of Russia, and reconfirmed their unwavering commitment to providing continued support to Ukraine and its people.
They reiterated their support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, based on the UN Charter and in line with Ukraine’s peace formula.
They also emphasised that no initiative about Ukraine can be taken without Ukraine.
(Photo: European Union)
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