EU should double its support for Ukraine amid Prigozhin’s coup – Ursula von der Leyen

This was announced today in Brussels before the start of the EU summit by the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

"Three major topics. The first is Ukraine, the second is migration, and the third is competitiveness. We will discuss Ukraine against the backdrop of the mutiny we witnessed last weekend. This showed deep cracks in Putin's system. This mutiny of last weekend will also have aftershocks that we will see. The more important it is that we double down on the support for Ukraine - be it military capability or financial support; very important to be here consistent," said Ursula von der Leyen.

She noted that the "erosion" of the Russian Wagner Group is important not only for Ukraine, where this group has been involved in hostilities, but also for African countries, where Putin has been trying to increase his influence through these militants.

Regarding migration, in light of the recent tragedies in the Mediterranean, the EU will focus on implementing measures to enhance the fight against human smuggling and strengthen its external borders. Additionally, the EU will maintain its commitment to investing in economic development in the countries of origin of illegal migration. This approach aims to foster human connections and undermine the foundations of smuggling operations.

As for ensuring the competitiveness of the EU economy, the President of the European Commission emphasized that the main focus will be on reducing risks while maintaining economic ties with third countries.

Answering questions from journalists, Ursula von der Leyen called Sweden's EU presidency, which is coming to an end this week, "excellent" and thanked the government for the progress made over the past 6 months.

• On June 20, during a meeting of donors in London, Ursula von der Leyen reported that the European Commission plans to provide EUR 50 billion in financial assistance to Ukraine in the form of grants and loans. The support is intended for the next 4 years.

• On June 23, Ukraine reported that the EU would provide funds without the requirement of repayment for the development of Ukraine's railroad infrastructure.

• On June 26, the EU approved additional military aid to Ukraine worth EUR 3.5 billion. The money will be directed to the European Peace Facility.

• On June 27, the European Commission reported that the EU would supply 500 power generators from its reserves to Ukraine for the needs of areas affected by the Kakhovka HPP destruction.

• On June 29, media reported that the EU leaders are seeking to agree on long-term security guarantees for Kyiv amid growing instability in Russia. In this regard, they are developing "future security commitments" for Ukraine.