At the European Political Community summit, leaders reaffirmed their commitment to support Ukraine, in particular the country's energy needs ahead of winter, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said.

"We have a very successful and productive summit, bringing together 46 European leaders, including President Zelenskyy, who addressed the plenary this morning. We discussed once again our commitment to stand with Ukraine – a very important commitment made again today – including supporting their energy needs as we head into winter and cracking down on the ships that are helping Russia to evade sanctions," Starmer said at a press conference in during the IV Summit of the European Political Community.

Answering the question whether new decisions were made at the summit to support Ukraine, the Prime Minister said that the position of the British government has not changed.

"We as a government have not made any new decisions that were not taken by the government two weeks ago. But support for Ukraine is as strong as ever, and obviously even stronger thanks to the fact that 46 European leaders are here today," he said.

Starmer also said last week NATO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ukraine.

"But no, there are no new decisions or changes in position regarding the use of the opportunities that we provide," he said.

The Prime Minister said Ukraine is fighting not only for the Ukrainian people, but also for the European people, for freedom, democracy and the rule of law.

"Therefore, our security starts in Ukraine. So, we pledge President Zelenskyy once again that we will stand with Ukraine as long as it takes," Starmer said.

In addition, European leaders had a productive discussion on issues of wider European security, protecting democracies from Russian interference and supporting countries like Moldova that are dealing with more direct threats, the UK head of government said.

"It is not just a good idea to work with our partners, it is essential," he said.

On 18 July, European leaders gathered at Blenheim Palace for the fourth summit of the European Political Community. This is one of the first meetings between new British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and world leaders. The venue for the European Political Community summit was Blenheim Palace, birthplace of World War II British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

The European Political Community is a forum that brings together around 50 European countries to coordinate responses to common issues and problems.

Meetings are held twice a year, and the summits are alternately hosted by the EU Member State holding the Presidency of the Council of the EU and a non-EU Member State. Previous summits took place in Granada, Spain (October 5, 2023); Chisinau, Moldova (June 1, 2023) and Prague, Czech Republic (October 6, 2022).