Results of discussions on Ukraine at European Council show that document was supported by 25 EU countries
The text, presented on behalf of 26 member states, was "strongly supported" by 25 heads of state and government, who said they expect the first disbursement of the loan for Ukraine by early April.
According to Ukrinform, the European Council's press service stated this on its website.
"Following its December 2025 decision to provide Ukraine with a support loan of EUR 90 billion for 2026 and 2027, the European Council welcomes the adoption of the loan by the co-legislators and looks forward to the first disbursement to Ukraine by the beginning of April," the document states.
In this context, the European Council also called for increased engagement with third countries to help cover the remaining EUR 30 billion funding gap for Ukraine.
The Council emphasized the importance of continued and intensified military support, as well as urgently accelerating the production and delivery of priority equipment, including air defense systems, ammunition, drones, and missiles, particularly to help Ukraine protect its energy and critical infrastructure. It also stressed that developing Ukraine's defense industry, including cooperation between the EU and Ukraine in the defense sector, remains crucial.
Leaders agreed that all military support and security guarantees for Ukraine would be provided with full respect for the defense policies of individual member states and taking into account the security interests of all.
"As we enter the fifth year of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the European Council reaffirms its continued firm and unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders," the document states.
The European Union will continue, in coordination with like-minded partners and allies, to provide comprehensive political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people.
The Council praised the "fortitude, determination and resilience of the Ukrainian people and their leadership" in resisting Russian aggression and defending their territory, noting that Ukraine has managed to withstand immense pressure and prevent Russia from achieving its military and strategic objectives.
It stressed that Ukraine's future lies within the European Union and welcomed the significant progress the country has made under extremely difficult conditions, encouraging further reforms.
Following an assessment by the European Commission, and noting progress in technical preparations, the European Council proposed that the EU Council immediately open negotiation clusters, starting with the fundamentals cluster, in line with the enlargement methodology.
The leaders reiterated strong support for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law, backed by reliable security guarantees. They welcomed ongoing diplomatic efforts and expressed full support for Ukraine in negotiations.
They also called on Russia to agree to a full, unconditional, and immediate ceasefire and to begin meaningful negotiations toward a just and lasting peace.
"For peace to be just and lasting, respect for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity is the cornerstone. Borders must not be changed by force, the aggressor cannot be rewarded and Ukraine's long-term security and ability to defend itself must be guaranteed," the document states.
The EU and its member states will remain actively engaged in peace efforts, emphasizing that "the path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine."
The Council also stated that the EU and its member states are ready to contribute to credible security guarantees for Ukraine, including through a coalition of the willing and in cooperation with the United States. This includes support through missions such as EUMAM Ukraine and EUAM Ukraine.
The European Council strongly condemned Russia for systematic and deliberate attacks on Ukraine's civilian and energy infrastructure and welcomed ongoing humanitarian, energy, and civil protection assistance provided by the EU, its member states, and international partners.
It called for further efforts to support Ukraine's urgent recovery, reconstruction, and strengthening of its energy system.
The EU remains determined to increase pressure on Russia, weaken its war economy, and advance toward peace negotiations. The Council expects the swift adoption of the 20th sanctions package and emphasized the need to reduce Russia's energy revenues and impose further restrictions on its banking system.
Leaders also highlighted efforts to counter Russia's shadow fleet, stressing the need for coordinated action to address environmental, safety, and maritime risks posed by such vessels.
The Council called on all countries to immediately stop any direct or indirect support for Russia's war, including the supply of dual-use goods.
The document also strongly condemns the deployment of North Korea’s armed forces in the war against Ukraine, as well as ongoing military support provided by Iran, Belarus, and North Korea.
Leaders reiterated their urgent call on Russia and Belarus to ensure the immediate, safe, and unconditional return of all unlawfully deported Ukrainian children and other civilians.
They emphasized that humanitarian measures and confidence-building steps—such as prisoner exchanges and the return of civilians—must be part of the path to peace.
The European Council also reaffirmed the EU's commitment to ensuring full accountability for war crimes and other serious crimes committed during Russia's aggression, including efforts within the Council of Europe to establish a special tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine and an international claims commission.
Finally, the Council noted potential internal security risks to the EU posed by former Russian combatants and invited the European Commission to assess possible responses.
As previously reported, António Costa stressed that all EU leaders must uphold their commitments regarding the EUR 90 billion loan for Ukraine agreed upon by all 27 member states in December 2025.