EU leaders in the conclusions of the summit stated that they "look forward to the opening of other clusters" of Ukraine's EU accession negotiations "in accordance with the merit-based approach," emphasized "the EU's readiness to intensify its engagement" in negotiations to end Russia's war against Ukraine, determination to further increase pressure on Russia, the importance of supplying military aid to Ukraine, including air defense systems, and expect the first payment to Ukraine from the €90 billion loan by the end of June, reports UNN.
Support for Ukraine
"The European Council reaffirms its unwavering, firm and steadfast support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. The European Union will continue to provide, in coordination with like-minded partners and allies, comprehensive political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people," the joint statement reads.
Path to the EU
"The European Council welcomes the holding of the Intergovernmental Conference on the accession of Ukraine to the European Union and the opening of the cluster on fundamental issues on June 15, 2026, and looks forward to the opening of other clusters in accordance with the merit-based approach," the statement said.
On peace negotiations and the role of the EU
"The European Union supports a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law, and underpinned by reliable and credible security guarantees for Ukraine. Only a solution that respects the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine can lead to a just and lasting peace. Borders must not be changed by force, the aggressor must not be rewarded, and Ukraine's long-term security and ability to defend itself must be guaranteed. The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be determined without Ukraine. The European Union will decide on matters of its competence or those affecting its security," the statement notes.
EU leaders stated that "the European Council supports diplomatic efforts aimed at ending Russia's aggressive war and emphasizes the EU's readiness to intensify its engagement in this context in line with the Union's goal of promoting peace, enshrined in the Treaties. Europe plays a key role in the future settlement and is ready to defend its interests. Having failed to achieve its military and strategic goals, Russia has intensified its missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure. The European Council calls on Russia to demonstrate genuine readiness for peace, agree to a full, unconditional and immediate ceasefire, and begin meaningful negotiations on a just and lasting peace."
On security guarantees
"The European Union and its member states are ready to contribute to reliable and credible security guarantees for Ukraine, including through the Coalition of the Willing and in cooperation with the United States. This will include support for Ukraine's ability to deter aggression and defend itself effectively, also in the long term, including through EUMAM Ukraine and EUAM Ukraine, as well as support for ceasefire monitoring through the EU Satellite Centre. The contribution of the European Union and its member states will be based on their respective competences and capabilities and will comply with international law," the statement reads.
Reconstruction of Ukraine
"The European Union remains committed to supporting the rebuilding, reconstruction and recovery of Ukraine in coordination with international partners. In this context, the European Council looks forward to the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdansk on June 25 and 26, 2026," the EU leaders noted.
€90 billion loan
"The European Council expects the first payment to Ukraine from the €90 billion loan for 2026 and 2027 by the end of June 2026. It calls on member states to continue their bilateral support for Ukraine and emphasizes the importance of further EU engagement with third countries to ensure continued international support that will help bridge Ukraine's residual financing gap. The European Council recalls the importance of Ukraine's continued adherence to the rule of law and welcomes ongoing reform efforts," the statement said.
Military support
"The European Council emphasizes the importance of further sustained efforts to provide military support to Ukraine, including through the Ukraine Support Loan, and the urgent acceleration of the production and supply of priority equipment, including air defense systems, ammunition, drones and missiles, in particular to help Ukraine protect its civilian population, energy and critical infrastructure. In this context, further strengthening of defense industry cooperation between the EU and Ukraine remains crucial," the statement notes.
It is noted that "all military support, as well as security guarantees for Ukraine, will be provided with full respect for the security and defense policy of certain member states and taking into account the security and defense interests of all member states."
Pressure on Russia
"The European Union remains firmly determined to further increase pressure on Russia and continue to weaken Russia's war economy so that it ceases its brutal war of aggression and begins meaningful peace negotiations. The European Council reiterates the importance of further reducing Russia's energy revenues, restricting the operations of its shadow fleet, and further limiting its banking system," the statement reads.
The European Council, as stated, "welcomes the recent adoption of new sanctions, including those targeting the shadow fleet, following the adoption of the 20th sanctions package." "It calls for the swift adoption of the 21st sanctions package. Undermining the business model of the Russian shadow fleet requires an 'end-to-end' approach and coordination among member states and with partners, including a joint approach to addressing the significant environmental, safety and maritime risks posed by such vessels," the statement said.
"The European Council also emphasizes the importance of further coordination with the G7 and other like-minded partners on sanctions, strengthening the enforcement of existing measures and closing loopholes, as well as further strengthening measures against the circumvention of sanctions. The European Council stresses that until a just and lasting peace is achieved in Ukraine, there should be no normalization of Russia's participation in international sporting and cultural events," the EU leaders noted.
The European Council, as reported, "calls on all countries to immediately cease any assistance to Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine, direct or indirect, including through the provision of dual-use goods and components. In particular, it strongly condemns the deployment of DPRK armed forces in the war against Ukraine, as well as the ongoing military support provided to Russia by, among others, Iran, Belarus and the DPRK."
Return of Ukrainian children and civilians
"The European Council reiterates its urgent call on Russia and Belarus to immediately ensure the safe and unconditional return to Ukraine of all illegally deported and displaced Ukrainian children and other civilians. In this regard, it welcomes the commitment made at the high-level meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children to step up actions to ensure their return. Other humanitarian relief efforts and confidence-building measures, notably the exchange of prisoners of war and the return of civilian detainees, must continue as part of the pathway to peace," the statement indicated.
Accountability for Russia's crimes
"The European Council also reaffirms the EU's commitment to ensuring full accountability for war crimes and other most serious crimes committed in connection with Russia's aggression against Ukraine. In this context, the European Council welcomes the ratification on behalf of the European Union of the Convention establishing the International Commission on Claims for Ukraine, as well as progress in establishing the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. It calls for further persistent efforts within the Council of Europe to implement these two international bodies," the statement reads.
Restrictions on Russian combatants
"Given the potential threat, including in the long term, posed to the EU's internal security by former Russian combatants who participated in the aggression against Ukraine, and taking into account the proposal of the European Commission and the High Representative in this context, the European Council calls for further technical work to assess possible ways to address this issue without prejudice to the competence of member states in this area," the statement indicated.
As reported, the European Council will return to these issues at its next meeting.