Presidents Costa, von der Leyen, Zelenskyy issue joint statement

European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a joint statement following their meeting.

The text of the statement was distributed by the European Council on Thursday.

The trilateral meeting took place in Lefkosia on Thursday ahead of the informal meeting of EU heads of state and government.

"Following the European Council’s decision in December to provide Ukraine with a support loan of EUR 90 billion for 2026 and 2027, the Presidents welcomed the adoption of the loan by the co-legislators on 23 April. The Ukraine Support Loan will ensure that Ukraine can meet its urgent budgetary and defence needs, enabling the country to remain resilient in the face of ongoing Russian attacks. The Presidents emphasised the importance of the swift implementation of the loan and looked forward for the first disbursement in the second quarter. They also called on third countries to assist in bridging the remaining gaps in Ukraine’s finances," the statement reads.

The presidents also welcomed the adoption of the 20th sanctions package.

"These sanctions aim to reduce Russia’s energy revenues, constrain its banking system, and curb shadow fleet operations. The Presidents underscored the necessity of applying further pressure on Russia to cease its aggression and engage in meaningful negotiations towards peace," they said.

In addition, the presidents highly praised the significant progress Ukraine has made on its path toward EU accession.

"They called for the opening of negotiation clusters without delay. Furthermore, the Presidents welcomed the recent adoption of necessary legislation by the Ukrainian Parliament that will unlock further funding under the Ukraine Facility. They highlighted the reform progress Ukraine has achieved so far under challenging circumstances and called for further efforts," the text said.

The presidents also reaffirmed the Union’s commitment, in coordination with international partners, to support Ukraine in "urgently repairing and rebuilding its energy infrastructure and strengthening the resilience of its energy system in view of next winter."

"Ahead of the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster, the Presidents recalled the importance of nuclear safety and security in Europe and called on Russia to stop its attacks and occupation of nuclear facilities in Ukraine," the statement reads.

Finally, the presidents welcomed the announcement of a high-level meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, co-hosted by the EU, Ukraine and Canada, on May 11 in Brussels.