EU foreign ministers to discuss strengthening air defence and winter aid for Ukraine
European Union foreign ministers will discuss strengthening Ukrainian air defence and supporting the energy sector ahead of winter with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in Brussels on 16 November.
Source: European Pravda journalist in Brussels, citing EU diplomats familiar with the meeting's preparations
Details: On 16 November in Brussels, Sybiha will discuss with his European counterparts how the EU can help Ukraine face a winter that, according to European diplomats' assessments, will be the most difficult since the start of the full-scale invasion.
"Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha will personally attend the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting on 16 November and provide a briefing on developments on the frontline and Kyiv's diplomatic efforts," an interlocutor told European Pravda.
Following this, EU ministers will hold an internal discussion on concrete steps Europe can take to bolster Ukraine's resilience ahead of winter.
In particular, discussions will cover the provision of air defence systems, support for critical energy and water infrastructure and efforts to encourage individual member states to increase their contributions to assisting Ukraine.
The European Commission will also brief ministers on the current state of funding for Ukraine, as well as preparations for a proposal to increase financial support for Ukraine in 2027. This concerns an additional Ukrainian budget requirement amounting to €70 billion, of which the EU intends to cover two-thirds – €45 billion.
The meeting will also address diplomatic efforts to end the war, including negotiations held this week in Abu Dhabi with the participation of European representatives.
Background:
- On 16 November, the Council of the EU will also add 145 individuals and legal entities to its sanctions lists against Russia.
- Maria Luís Albuquerque, European Commissioner for Financial Services, specified that the new sanctions listings will include oil refineries, as well as structures linked to Russia's "shadow fleet".
- French Minister for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad confirmed that on 16 November the EU will introduce sanctions restrictions against 50 banks operating in Russia. He added that France itself proposed including the majority of these entities in the list.
Your support on Patreon helps us keep the news free and accessible.