Ursula von der Leyen announces new financial packages to protect Ukrainian airspace

On Sunday, 11 October, the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, held a telephone consultation with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Support for the energy ceasefire initiative

Ursula von der Leyen stated that she fully supports the Ukrainian leader's proposal for a ceasefire that would ensure the security of global food supplies and protect energy infrastructure in both Ukraine and Russia.

«Хороша розмова з Володимиром Зеленським сьогодні. Повністю підтримую заклик президента Зеленського до припинення вогню, яке захистило б глобальні поставки продовольства та енергетичну інфраструктуру як в Україні, так і в Росії» (A good conversation with Volodymyr Zelenskyy today. I fully support President Zelenskyy's call for a ceasefire that would protect global food supplies and energy infrastructure in both Ukraine and Russia), she emphasised.

Assessment of the military situation

The head of the EC noted that the conflict has entered a new, gloomier stage. According to her, Russia is stalling on the battlefield and attacking civilians far behind the front line.

«Росія гальмує на полі бою та атакує цивільних далеко за лінією фронту. Я висловила нашу солідарність з українським народом і мою повну підтримку президенту Зеленському, який очолює боротьбу за свободу свого народу» (Russia is stalling on the battlefield and attacking civilians far behind the front line. I expressed our solidarity with the Ukrainian people and my full support for President Zelenskyy, who is leading the fight for his people's freedom), Ursula von der Leyen added.

Financial aid and accession negotiations

Official Brussels confirmed that Ukraine will remain at the centre of attention during the next meeting of the European Council. The financial needs of the country for the following year and mechanisms for mobilising new global support are planned to be discussed there.

In addition, the EU will provide additional funding this week for the purchase of drones and missiles to strengthen defence and protect Ukrainian airspace. Ursula von der Leyen also reported that two more clusters of negotiation chapters would be opened, emphasising that the dynamics of the process are tangible.