The European Union has pledged continued support for Ukraine as the country marks its Independence Day on Monday, while threatening Russia with further sanctions over its ongoing invasion.
European Council President António Costa is expected in Kiev on Monday to take part in celebrations marking the day.
Costa said since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, the EU and its member states have pledged hundreds of billions of euros in political, financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support.
“We will continue to provide as much support as necessary, for as long as necessary – during the war, in peace negotiations and in reconstruction,” Costa said.
The EU’s “vision extends beyond the war,” he said.
“Ukraine’s future in the European Union is the best guarantee of security and long-term democratic stability – for Ukraine and for Europe as a whole.”
Costa also said EU sanctions on Russia were having an impact.
“We will intensify the pressure until Russia ends the killing, demonstrates a genuine commitment to peace, and moves from the battlefield to the negotiating table.”
Ukraine’s Independence Day commemorates the declaration of independence from the Soviet Union adopted on August 24, 1991.
A number of world leaders are expected in Kiev on Monday, including British Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
A video conference of the so-called Coalition of the Willing, a group of countries supporting Ukraine against Russia, is also planned.