There is significant progress in peace talks for Ukraine – Costa

European Council President Antonio Costa has said significant progress has been made in peace talks for Ukraine in Geneva involving the United States, Ukraine and the EU.

He made the statement following an informal meeting of European Union leaders in a hybrid format in Luanda, Angola, on Monday morning, which was followed by an EU-African Union summit.

"I have just concluded a meeting of 27 European leaders, which was also attended by the President of the European Commission. We took stock of the latest developments in efforts to achieve peace for Ukraine. The peace talks have gained new momentum. Yesterday's meeting in Geneva between the United States, Ukraine, European Union institutions and European representatives marked significant progress," he said.

Costa said the United States and Ukraine reported that the talks had been constructive and that progress had been made on several issues. "We welcome this step forward, and some issues still need to be resolved, but the direction is positive. We highly appreciate the efforts of Presidents Zelenskyy and Trump and their teams. It is also clear that issues that directly concern the European Union, such as sanctions, enlargement or frozen assets, require the full involvement and decision of the European Union," the President of the European Council elaborated.

Costa assured that the EU is ready to continue supporting this process, working closely with the European Union and in close coordination with Ukraine, the United States and NATO. "It is now important that we move forward as partners, united by our common goal - to stop this war, to stop killing people and to stop this aggressive war against Ukraine, and to ensure a just and lasting peace for the Ukrainian people," he said.

Costa also announced that the European Union intends to continue to provide President Zelenskyy with all the necessary support: diplomatic, military and economic. "This concerns, in particular, financial support for Ukraine. As you remember, we pledged to fulfill this commitment in October, and we will do so at the December meeting of the European Council. In conclusion, let me emphasize that peace cannot be a temporary truce, it must be a long-term solution. Ukraine has chosen Europe, and Europe will stand by Ukraine," the President of the European Council emphasized.