Фото: пресс-служба Евросовета
The European Council once again mentioned Belarus in its conclusions on Ukraine adopted at the summit. European leaders again “strongly urged Russia and Belarus to immediately ensure the safe and unconditional return to Ukraine of all unlawfully deported and transferred Ukrainian children and other civilians.”
The European Council also condemned military support for Russia provided by Iran, Belarus and North Korea, and called on all countries to immediately cease any direct or indirect assistance to Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine.
The conclusions reaffirm the European Union’s commitment to supporting Ukraine. EU leaders welcomed the opening of the first cluster of accession negotiations with Ukraine.
“The European Council supports diplomatic efforts to end Russia’s war of aggression and underlines the EU’s readiness to intensify its engagement in this context, in line with the Union’s objective of promoting peace as enshrined in the Treaties. Europe has a key role to play in any future settlement and stands ready to safeguard its interests.
Having failed to achieve its military and strategic objectives, Russia has intensified missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure. The European Council strongly urges Russia to demonstrate genuine political will to end the war, agree to a full, unconditional and immediate ceasefire, and engage in meaningful negotiations aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace,” the document states.
The conclusions also condemn recent incidents, including Russia’s escalation of attacks, which included a strike on the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, as well as a Russian drone hitting a residential building in Romania.
The European Council expects the first disbursement to Ukraine from a €90 billion loan facility to be made before the end of June. EU leaders also called for the swift adoption of the 21st sanctions package.
The leaders of the European Union additionally agreed for the first time to extend sanctions against Russia for one year instead of the previous six-month period.