PRINT

EU Statement on Ukraine

28.05.2026 Press and information team of the Delegation to the COUNCIL OF EUROPE in Strasbourg

 

  1. As Russia continues its unprovoked aggression against Ukraine, as it escalates its daily drone and missile strikes against civilians, as it doubles down on its colonial goal of subjugating Ukraine, the EU stands firmly in defense of international law and the UN Charter. From day one of Russia’s invasion, we have supported Ukraine in exercising its inherent right to self-defense in line with Article 51 of the Charter, and we continue to do so today. 

  2. The EU agreed on a 90 billion EUR loan to Ukraine to cover the country’s budgetary and defence needs. A loan that is to be repaid by Ukraine only once it has received reparations from Russia. Because Russia must take responsibility for the full effect and the consequences of its actions and realize that we will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes. And, last week, Russia had the gall to go forward to threaten a member of the Security Council and EU member state. 

  3. Accusations that the EU is prolonging the conflict are a distortion of reality. We support a full, unconditional and immediate ceasefire as well as a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine in line with the UN Charter, international law and relevant UN resolutions. In other conflicts too we see the importance of a ceasefire, as a first step to allow for peace talks, including very recently. Diplomatic efforts need to be stepped up without delay, and the EU has been actively involved in this regard. 

  4. Supporting Ukraine militarily does not contradict the pursuit of peace, it is a precondition for credible negotiations. Russia, the aggressor, is also seeking military support from other nations, except in this case of course including other nations’ boots on Ukrainian territory. But it is doing so for very different reasons: to continue its war and to subjugate Kyiv. Russia has shown little interest in genuine talks while intensifying military action on the front as well as drone and missile attacks against civilians. Two weeks ago, it launched over 1500 drones and dozens of missiles against Ukrainian cities, killing 24 civilians including three children. For the first time since its attempted full-scale invasion, it also struck the capital of the Zakarpatiia region.  A UN humanitarian convoy in Kherson was hit.  International humanitarian law must be respected and attacks against humanitarian personnel, civilians and critical civilian infrastructure must not only cease, but they must be condemned unequivocally by everyone. Russia’s massive attacks on Ukraine continue to show the Kremlin’s brutality and disregard for both human life and peace negotiations. Terror against civilians is not strength. It is despair. Likewise, Russia’s threat to foreign citizens and diplomats to leave Kyiv is an unacceptable escalation.

  5. We urge all countries to work with us in pressuring Russia’s decision makers to engage meaningfully. This is also the logic behind the EU’s sanctions on Russia. Decision-makers in Moscow seem unmoved by the reported 1.3 million Russian casualties of this senseless war. To raise the cost of the illegal aggression for Russia’s leadership, the EU has adopted 20 packages of restrictive measures. Over 2600 individuals and entities are now subject to travel bans, asset freezes and economic sanctions. By constraining Russia’s military-industrial complex, its energy and financial services sectors and the support it receives from third countries, the EU seeks to limit Russia’s ability to continue its war of aggression, ensure there is accountability for violations of international law and human rights, and incentivize Russian elites to come to the negotiating table. 

  6. Children are among those most severely impacted by Russia’s aggression. Their protection is a shared responsibility of the international community. I reiterate the EU’s urgent call on Russia and Belarus to immediately ensure the safe and unconditional return to Ukraine of all unlawfully deported and forcibly transferred Ukrainian children. On 11 May, the EU hosted a high-level meeting of the Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children in Brussels, together with Ukraine and Canada. We have provided support to war-affected children, families and communities and we have sanctioned over 100 individuals and entities involved in deportation, forced transfer and the so-called ‘re-education’ of Ukrainian children. 

  7. Our support to Ukraine, including within the Council of Europe’s framework, is a signal that any aggression is unacceptable under international law and that aggressors such as Russia will face accountability and will never be allowed to change borders by force. 

  8. The future of Ukraine and its citizens lies within the EU. The Ukrainian people have a right to choose their own destiny, including a path towards EU membership. 

    The following countries aligned with this statement: Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.