EU pledges continued support for Ukraine ahead of 35th Independence Day

The European Union reiterated its support for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity as Kyiv prepares to mark the 35th anniversary of its independence on 24 August.

In a statement, the European Commission said the EU will continue to back Ukraine's efforts to achieve "a comprehensive, just and lasting peace" and to advance on its path toward EU membership.

Financial, humanitarian and military assistance

Since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022, EU institutions and member states have provided a total of 220.2 billion euros in humanitarian, financial and military assistance to Ukraine, the Commission noted.

The Commission also said the EU has begun disbursing the first payments under the 90 billion euro support loan intended to bolster Ukraine's defence capabilities and finance reconstruction.

"The EU is leading efforts to secure reconstruction and long-term investment in the Ukrainian economy, as confirmed at the Ukraine Reconstruction Conference in June. It plays a key role in securing the return of Ukrainian children forcibly displaced or deported to Russia, and in holding Russia accountable for its crimes, including through the International Commission on Claims and the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine," the European Commission said.

The statement added that Brussels has also adopted a 21st package of sanctions against Russia to further constrain Moscow's capacity to finance the war and target attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure.

Photo: press material from the event