On 19 March 2026, the European Council held an exchange of views with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and reaffirmed the EU's firm and unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. Marking the fifth year of Russia’s war of aggression, the Council highlighted political, financial, military, humanitarian, and diplomatic aid, including a EUR 90 billion support loan for 2026-27 and accelerated delivery of priority military equipment such as air defense systems, drones, ammunition, and missiles. The Council condemned Russia's deliberate targeting of Ukrainian civilian and energy infrastructure, underscored support for peace negotiations emphasizing full ceasefire and respect for Ukraine’s borders, and pledged coordination with international partners. The EU also stressed efforts to weaken Russia’s war economy through sanctions, including tackling Russia's shadow fleet. The statement condemned foreign military support to Russia by the DPRK, Iran, and Belarus and called for the safe return of unlawfully deported Ukrainian civilians. They reaffirmed commitment to accountability for war crimes and highlighted security concerns about Russian ex-combatants in the EU. The Council also encouraged opening all EU accession clusters for Ukraine and pledged continued support through EU missions such as EUMAM and EUAM Ukraine.

On 19 March 2026, the European Council held an exchange of views with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and reaffirmed the EU's firm and unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. Marking the fifth year of Russia’s war of aggression, the Council highlighted political, financial, military, humanitarian, and diplomatic aid, including a EUR 90 billion support loan for 2026-27 and accelerated delivery of priority military equipment such as air defense systems, drones, ammunition, and missiles. The Council condemned Russia's deliberate targeting of Ukrainian civilian and energy infrastructure, underscored support for peace negotiations emphasizing full ceasefire and respect for Ukraine’s borders, and pledged coordination with international partners. The EU also stressed efforts to weaken Russia’s war economy through sanctions, including tackling Russia's shadow fleet. The statement condemned foreign military support to Russia by the DPRK, Iran, and Belarus and called for the safe return of unlawfully deported Ukrainian civilians. They reaffirmed commitment to accountability for war crimes and highlighted security concerns about Russian ex-combatants in the EU. The Council also encouraged opening all EU accession clusters for Ukraine and pledged continued support through EU missions such as EUMAM and EUAM Ukraine.