By Necva Tastan Sevinc
ISTANBUL (AA) – EU leaders on Thursday called for stepping up efforts on the delivery of air defense systems, ammunition, and missiles to Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Leaders emphasized the need to increase efforts in the delivery of these critical military supplies, as well as the provision of necessary training and equipment for Ukrainian forces, according to European Council conclusions released following its meeting on Ukraine in Brussels.
The EU leaders also referred to an agreement between the EU and G7 countries to provide Ukraine with a €50 billion ($51.8 billion) loan to meet its urgent needs. As part of this initiative, the EU plans to begin disbursements in January 2025, with a total of €18.1 billion expected to be allocated in 2025.
In response to Russia’s increasing attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure as winter approaches, the EU leaders condemned these actions and called for greater material support to help Ukraine maintain its electricity grid.
"Material support to be increased and its delivery accelerated in order to help Ukraine keep its electricity infrastructure running," according to the council conclusions.
The EU leaders also condemned countries supporting Russia, such as Iran and North Korea.
"European Union remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s repair, recovery and reconstruction, in coordination with international partners...European Union will continue to work closely with Ukraine and support its reform efforts on its European path," they said.
The conclusions also drew attention to the upcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference, scheduled for July 2025 in Italy, which is expected to play a crucial role in Ukraine’s post-war recovery.