European leaders reaffirm support for Ukraine's energy sector at summit in UK
At the summit of the European Political Community, heads of state and government reaffirmed their commitment to support Ukraine, including support for its energy needs ahead of winter and the fight against ships that help Russia avoid sanctions.
According to an Ukrinform correspondent, this was stated by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a press conference following the 4th Summit of the European Political Community at Blenheim Palace in Woodstock.
He reported that they had a very successful and productive summit with 46 European leaders in attendance, including President Zelensky, who addressed the plenary that morning. They discussed their commitment to support Ukraine, a very important commitment that was reaffirmed that day, including supporting its energy needs ahead of winter and cracking down on vessels that help Russia evade sanctions.
Starmer stressed that it is important to be clear that Ukraine is fighting not only for the Ukrainian people, but also for European nations, for freedom, democracy and the rule of law. "And our security, therefore, begins in Ukraine. That is why we have once again promised President Zelenskyy that we will stand with Ukraine, as we have done before, and we will support Ukraine, as we have done, for as long as it takes," the British Prime Minister said.
He emphasised that support for Ukraine "remains as strong as it has ever been" and, obviously, "has become even stronger with 46 European leaders here today".
Starmer stressed that the UK will continue to play a leading role in supporting Ukraine's efforts to repel Russian aggression. "I am very proud of the role we have played in relation to Ukraine. It was a leading role. And this is a merit of the previous government, with whom we united on this issue and continued this work," he said.
As Ukrinform reported, the 4th Summit of the European Political Community is taking place in the UK on Thursday. It is attended by 47 heads of state and government: 27 EU member states and 20 other countries of the continent.
President Volodymyr Zelensky is taking part in the summit, which will also include a series of bilateral meetings.
Photo: Simon Dawson