EU leaders meet to debate scenario in Ukraine and determine bloc’s future leaders – Europe dwell

The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, has arrived on the summit.

Standing alongside Charles Michel, he stated:

Because of you and naturally to all of the leaders of the EU for such historic consequence. We waited for this lengthy time period, sure. And everyone – civilians and naturally our heroes on the battlefield – you already know that how we need to be within the EU.

Now we see this robust, historic step ahead. And thanks very a lot for this assist and for this consequence, opening negotiations. It’s crucial for all of us, for all Ukraine, imagine me.

And naturally, we now have to work on subsequent steps.

You at all times say that we’re too fast! However we’d like… we are going to talk about at present with leaders about it, our subsequent steps.

He additionally pointed to “pressing issues”, stressing the necessity for extra air defence.

EU leaders this afternoon will talk about the most recent in Ukraine with Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the Ukrainian president.

In his invitation letter to the EU’s 27 heads of state and authorities, Charles Michel, the European Council president, wrote:

Concretely, our assembly will kick off on Thursday 27 June at 2pm with an change with President Zelenskyy. This might be a chance to debate the scenario on the bottom, but additionally pay attention to some achievements since our final assembly.

Particularly, this European Council might be a chance to welcome the adoption of negotiating frameworks and the holding of Intergovernmental Conferences with Ukraine, Moldova and Montenegro. These are historic steps in supporting these international locations’ respective path in the direction of European membership.

Moreover, we now have been formidable and daring in channelling the extraordinary income from immobilised Russian property to assist Ukraine this 12 months. For the next years, along with companions, we are going to safe loans for Ukraine for a further EUR 50 billion.

It is usually crucial that we intensify our navy assist to Ukraine, specializing in air defence, ammunition, and missiles. Moreover, we should proceed to rally broad worldwide assist for a simply peace in Ukraine based mostly on the UN Constitution.

Good afternoon and welcome to a particular version of the Europe weblog, coming to you from the European Council summit in Brussels.

Right now, the EU’s 27 heads of state and authorities are anticipated to debate the scenario in Ukraine – and decide on the bloc’s subsequent prime leaders.

Ship suggestions and feedback to lili.bayer@theguardian.com.