Brussels summit to focus on Ukraine aid, pressure on Russia

EU leaders will consider strengthening pressure on Russia and continuing support for Ukraine, alongside discussions on economic challenges and the bloc’s competitiveness, at a summit scheduled for June 18–19.

An open invitation letter issued by European Council President António Costa to EU heads of state and government stated that Ukraine remains a priority issue on the bloc’s agenda, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“Ukraine remains at the top of our agenda,” Costa wrote, noting that the summit will open with a video address by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

He added that leaders will continue discussions on a “two-pronged approach — strengthening pressure on Russia and military support for Ukraine,” as well as “welcoming the start of accession negotiations with Moldova and Ukraine” to the European Union.

Following this, EU leaders are expected to focus on broader issues related to the European economy and the bloc’s competitiveness.

For the first time, the issue of drug addiction and drug-related crime in Europe has also been placed on the summit agenda, marking an expansion of the topics under discussion at the high-level meeting.

By Vafa Guliyeva