Costa, von der Leyen and Zelenski made statements to the press before the Ukraine session of the EU Summit, which continued on its second day in Brussels. Costa stated that two more chapters were opened in Ukraine's EU accession negotiations this week and that the process should continue.
Appreciating the Ukrainian administration and parliament for their reform efforts, Costa pointed out that negotiations and reforms continued despite the harsh war conditions.
Stating that the EU's support for Ukraine is as strong as ever, Costa said, "Now is not the time to withdraw support to Ukraine or ease sanctions against Russia. Now is the time to increase our support and pressure." he said.
Costa emphasized that this was necessary for Russia to accept a real ceasefire, come to the negotiation table and end the war, saying, "Now is the time for peace. It is not the time to continue the war." he said.
Noting that support for Ukraine is not limited to the war period, Costa addressed Zelenski and said, "You can trust us not only to support you in the war, but more importantly, for your future as an EU member." he said.
VON DER LEYEN: 'WE WILL NOT LIFT THE SANCTIONS'
EU Commission President von der Leyen also stated that the frequency of Zelenski's visits to Brussels shows the closeness between the parties and the intense work carried out towards Ukraine's EU membership. Thanking the Ukrainian Parliament for the reforms that enabled the opening of two more negotiation clusters, von der Leyen noted that the goal is to open the last two clusters by the end of the year.
Von der Leyen stated that they would discuss support for Ukraine's preparation for the upcoming winter during the talks and said that Russia was trying every way to destroy the energy and water infrastructure.
Emphasizing that they stand by Ukraine, von der Leyen said, "We will support you as we did in previous winters." he said.
'RUSSIA DID NOT COMPLY WITH THE ceasefire, EVEN FOR 1 MINUTE'
Reminding that they support US President Donald Trump's ceasefire initiative to stop attacks on energy infrastructure, von der Leyen stated that Russia did not comply with this "not even for a minute", on the contrary, it increased its attacks.
Von der Leyen pointed out that the pressure on Russia should therefore be increased and said:
"We are currently working on the 22nd sanctions package. One thing is absolutely clear: we will not lift any sanctions unless Russia stops the war."
Stating that Ukraine's financial, budgetary and military needs are also on the agenda, von der Leyen stated that the negotiations will cover not only 2026 but also 2027.
WINTER PACKAGE CALL FROM ZELENSKY
Ukrainian President Zelenski also stated that the EU support given since the beginning of the war is of critical importance and that they trust the continuation of this support. Stating that energy needs are at the top of their agenda, Zelenski emphasized that they want to end the war as soon as possible.
Zelenski said, "Currently, we do not see signs on the Russian side that they are ready to end this war. Therefore, we need to prepare for the winter package. This is not only about energy, but also about air defense and financing." he said.
Expressing his satisfaction with the EU standing by Ukraine, Zelenski stated that discussing the needs for 2027 as well as 2026 is one of the main issues of the day.
UKRAINE'S EU ACCESSORY NEGOTIATIONS
Zelensky thanked the Ukrainian Parliament and government for ensuring the adoption of important reforms under intense attacks.
Stating that he was pleased with the opening of two more clusters in the EU accession negotiations, Zelenski said, "We will do everything we can to open the last two clusters by the end of the year. I am sure we will achieve this." made his assessment.
