EU tells Zelensky: sanctions remain until Russia ends the war
In Brussels the EU pledged continued pressure on Moscow and signalled talks on additional multi-year support as Kyiv warns of large financing shortfalls.
European Union leaders spoke publicly in Brussels to reassure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that sanctions on Russia will remain in place until Moscow ends the war, pushing back against recent overtures from former U.S. President Donald Trump.
"You can count on us," said Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, as he addressed reporters alongside Zelensky and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Costa warned that easing measures now would be the wrong move. "This is not the time to ease sanctions on Russia. Now is the time to increase our support for Ukraine and to step up pressure on Russia," he said.
Long-term financial needs
Leaders in Brussels signalled they will begin talks on additional, multi-year assistance for Kyiv. Last year the EU agreed a loan to Kyiv of €90 billion covering 2026 and 2027, but officials say further planning is needed as Ukraine faces funding gaps.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also rejected recent calls to loosen restrictions, saying that the EU did not support the energy truce proposed by Trump and that Moscow never respected it. "One thing is absolutely clear. We will not lift any sanctions until Russia stops the war. We did not support President Trump's energy truce, but we saw that Russia did not respect it, not for a single minute," she said.
Kyiv has warned of a widening shortfall in the coming years. Last month Ukraine's finance minister, Serhii Marchenko, said the country lacks $32.6 billion in economic support and $45 billion for defence, figures that underline the scale of the challenge even as this year's budget is reportedly covered.
Photo: DPA)
