ECOFIN - Economic and Financial Affairs Council

02/23/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/23/2026 04:45

President Costa to travel to Kyiv on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine 11:40 On 24 February 2026, the President of the European Council, António[...]

On 24 February 2026, the President of the European Council, António Costa, will travel to Kyiv, Ukraine, alongside the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

During the visit, they will participate in the official memorial ceremony, commemorating the four years of war. They will also visit an energy infrastructure site damaged by Russian missile strikes.

In addition, Presidents Costa and von der Leyen will hold a trilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The leaders will also attend a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, convened by French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. As Russia's aggression enters its fifth year, the meeting will reaffirm the commitment of the 35 participating countries to support Ukraine in achieving a lasting and robust peace, ensuring the security of both Ukraine and Europe.

On 24 February 2022, Russia launched an unprovoked, unjustified, and illegal war against Ukraine, violating its sovereignty and international law. Since that day, the European Union has stood staunch and steadfast in solidarity with the Ukrainian people - with those who have lost loved ones, those who have been wounded, and all who continue to endure this unjust suffering. Four years later, we reaffirm that our support remains strong, united, and unwavering.

António Costa, President of the European Council

Press opportunities

The meeting with President Zelenskyy will be followed by a press event. The events in Kyiv will not be live-streamed due to security constraints but they will be available on EBS, Council's TV Newsroom and on President Costa's social media channels with a delay.

Background

This will be President Costa's fourth visit to Ukraine, since the beginning of his mandate as President of the European Council on 1 December 2024. The European Union has from the very beginning stood by Ukraine as it exercises its inherent right to self-defence against Russia's full-scale war of aggression. The EU has adopted unprecedented sanctions against Russia. The EU and its member states are Ukraine's biggest provider of financial, economic, military and humanitarian support.

Since the start of Russia's war of aggression, they have provided €193.3 billion in support for Ukraine and its people. The assistance includes:

  • €103.3 billion in financial, economic and humanitarian support
  • €69.3 billion in military support
  • €17 billion in support for refugees within the EU
  • €3.7 billion in proceeds from immobilised Russian assets
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