EU leaders pledge continued support for Ukraine and voice regret over US diesel decision

European Union leaders ended a two-day summit in Brussels on Friday 16 October by reaffirming support for Ukraine. According to Anadolu, which reported on the summit conclusions, they also expressed regret over the US decision to temporarily lift sanctions on Russian diesel.

European Council President António Costa said “Ukraine remains a central priority for Europe” and called for “more pressure on the aggression, not less”, The Guardian reported. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU and its member states provide 80% of external aid to Ukraine and that “we urgently need also other partners to step in”.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asked leaders for about €70bn next year. Von der Leyen said 2026 was covered and confirmed a gap of around €70bn for 2027. Leaders asked the Commission to propose new funding.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said there was a “broad consensus” on supporting Ukraine, but that funding details had not yet been agreed. French President Emmanuel Macron said the US–Russia diesel deal “sends a negative signal”, according to Reuters as cited by The Guardian.

The conclusions said further restrictive measures and tighter visa rules for Russian nationals would be considered to counter hybrid threats, Anadolu reported.

The BBC reported that the US administration is importing Russian diesel in an effort to bring down US energy prices, which have risen during the Iran war.