During their European Council meeting on 19 December, EU Member States’ Heads of State or Government are expected to warn that “Russia must not prevail” in Ukraine and to thus call for an “urgent [step-up] of efforts” to enable Ukraine to defend itself effectively against Russian aggression, “in particular on the delivery of air defence systems, ammunition, and missiles as well as on the provision of necessary training and equipment for Ukrainian soldiers”.
According to draft conclusions obtained by Agence Europe, European leaders are expected to call for the decisions taken under the ‘European Peace Facility’ to be implemented and for progress to be made in the work aiming to strengthen the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (see EUROPE 13527/1).
According to the European Council, it is, moreover, important to intensify efforts to support and further develop the Ukrainian defence industry and to deepen its cooperation with the EU defence industry.
The leaders are expected to reiterate that the EU remains ready to step up pressure on Russia, notably by adopting additional sanctions. Thus, they could welcome the adoption of the 15th package, which is still in negotiations. The European Council is also expected to reiterate its call for sanctions to be fully and effectively enforced and for additional measures to combat their circumvention.
Furthermore, it is expected to strongly condemn third countries’ support, which is enabling Russia to continue its war of aggression. “The deepening military cooperation and arms transfers between Russia and the DPRK and Iran as well as the deployment of the DPRK’s military forces to Russia and their use on the battlefield against Ukraine represent an international escalation of the war, with serious consequences for international peace and security”, the leaders are expected to warn, urging all countries to cease all aid to Russia immediately.
Finally, the European Council—strongly condemning Russia’s “intensified and deliberate” campaign against civilian infrastructure, including energy infrastructure—is expected to call for Member States’ electricity exports to Ukraine and material support to help Ukraine keep its electricity infrastructure running to both be increased and for Ukraine’s and Moldova’s energy systems to be further integrated into the European Union’s energy network. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)