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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.<\/p>\n
European Council President Ant\u00f3nio Costa is expected in Kiev on Monday to take part in celebrations marking the day.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
The EU’s “vision extends beyond the war,” he said.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Costa also said EU sanctions on Russia were having an impact.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Ukraine’s Independence Day commemorates the declaration of independence from the Soviet Union adopted on August 24, 1991.<\/p>\n
A number of world leaders are expected in Kiev on Monday, including British Prime Minister Andy Burnham.<\/p>\n
A video conference of the so-called Coalition of the Willing, a group of countries supporting Ukraine against Russia, is also planned.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n