EU leaders: We will continue to strongly support Ukraine

The EU Member States condemned in the strongest terms Russia's war against Ukraine and reiterated their unwavering support for Ukraine for as long as it will be needed. The meeting of the European Council, which started in Brussels on Thursday 29 June, held a video conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“It is important to continue and further increase our support for Ukraine. This also conveys a strong message to President Putin: he cannot win the war. We will support Ukraine for as long as it takes,” said Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.
 
The EU leaders stressed the importance of continuing the military and financial support to Ukraine and of ensuring that Russia is held fully accountable for its illegal war of aggression. The meeting also discussed the current situation in Russia.
 
The European Council seeks to strengthen the European defence sector by promoting the delivery and joint procurement of ammunition and missiles. The Council calls on the Commission to present a proposal for a European Defence Investment Programme (EDIP). 
 
The EU leaders discussed the security situation in Europe with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Prime Minister Orpo said that Finland strongly supports the efforts to advance EU-NATO cooperation. The Prime Minister also emphasised Finland's strong support for the realisation of Sweden's NATO membership without delay.

The European Council continues on Friday with further discussions, including on migration.
  
Inquiries: Tuomas Tikkanen, Special Adviser (EU Affairs), tel. +358 40 523 5768, and Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister’s Office