EU pledges continued support for Ukraine 'as long as necessary'

The European Union will continue providing Ukraine with political, financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support for as long as necessary, including during future peace negotiations and the country's reconstruction, European Council President António Costa said in Kyiv during celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence, according to Report's European bureau.

"We will continue to provide as much support as necessary, and for as long as necessary," Costa said.

He said the EU would continue increasing pressure on Russia until Moscow ends hostilities and demonstrates a genuine commitment to peace.

Costa stressed that the EU could not remain neutral when international law is being violated. He also said Russia had failed to achieve its objectives after more than four years of full-scale war.

He reaffirmed the EU's support for Ukraine's accession to the bloc, describing future membership as "the best guarantee of security and long-term democratic stability" for Ukraine and Europe as a whole.

According to Costa, the conditions for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace must be determined by Ukraine itself. Such a peace, he said, should guarantee the country's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its long-term security and ability to defend itself.

"Russia will not win," Costa said.