Prime Minister Orpo at European Council meeting: It is our duty to help Ukraine get through the coming winter

Urgent action needed to increase support for Ukraine The European Council discussed Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the pathway to peace and the EU’s ongoing support for Ukraine. In a discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the EU leaders reaffirmed their full and unwavering support for Ukraine as it continues to be targeted by Russia’s increasingly brutal attacks. “It is the EU’s duty to ensure that Ukraine gets through the coming winter. An important part of this is making sure Ukraine has enough funding for next year,” said Prime Minister Petteri Orpo. The European Council reiterated its objectives of strengthening Ukraine’s air and missile defence, safeguarding critical infrastructure and energy systems and deepening regional energy cooperation. The leaders called on Russia to agree to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. The EU will continue its economic and military support by moving forward with the disbursements of the EUR 90 billion support loan for 2026–2027 and by releasing EUR 6.6 billion in funding from the European Peace Facility. Ukraine’s and Moldova’s path to EU membership was another important topic at the meeting. Two negotiat...