EU leaders reaffirmed their firm and unwavering support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, pledging continued political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic assistance, in European Council conclusions adopted on 18–19 June 2026 and published on 8 July 2026. The conclusions, issued by the European Council, welcomed the opening of the first cluster in the accession negotiations with Ukraine on 15 June 2026 and reiterated that any future peace must be comprehensive, just and lasting, based on the UN Charter, international law and robust security guarantees for Ukraine. The European Council stressed that borders cannot be changed by force, the aggressor cannot be rewarded, and that no settlement can be decided without Ukraine.
The European Council condemned Russia's serious escalation, including large-scale missile and drone attacks, strikes on the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, and increasingly aggressive behaviour toward EU Member States, including disinformation, interference and threats to EU diplomatic staff. It highlighted recent Russian drone incidents in Romania and other Member States as a direct consequence of Russia's war. Leaders committed to strengthening Ukraine's long-term defence capabilities, accelerating delivery of priority military equipment, supporting reconstruction, and ensuring accountability for war crimes.
Three paragraphs in the conclusions specifically mention Belarus. Paragraph 14 urges all countries to cease any assistance to Russia's war of aggression, whether direct or indirect, including the supply of dual-use goods and components, and strongly condemns the continued military support provided to Russia by Iran, Belarus and the DPRK. Paragraph 15 reiterates the urgent call on Russia and Belarus to ensure the immediate, safe and unconditional return to Ukraine of all unlawfully deported and transferred Ukrainian children and other civilians, and welcomes the commitment made at the high-level meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children to intensify efforts to secure their return. Paragraph 42 condemns recent hybrid attacks against the EU and its Member States, and in light of persistent hybrid campaigns by hostile actors, notably Russia and Belarus, calls for urgent efforts to strengthen resilience, enhance preparedness, protect critical infrastructure, and prevent, deter and respond to hybrid attacks. It welcomes the work under way in the Council on the Action Plan on Drone and Counter-Drone Security.
The conclusions represent a unified EU stance on Ukraine and defence, with direct implications for EU Member States, which are expected to accelerate military aid and implement sanctions against Belarus and other entities supporting Russia. The document also impacts Belarus, which faces continued condemnation and pressure to cease support for Russia and return deported Ukrainian children. EU institutions, including the Council and the Commission, are tasked with following up on the action plan on drone security and hybrid threats. The conclusions reinforce the EU's commitment to Ukraine's accession path and long-term security, while maintaining pressure on Russia and its allies through diplomatic and economic measures.