EU leaders to discuss new Ukraine support at Brussels summit

European Union leaders are to meet in Brussels on Thursday with the aim of backing new support measures for war-torn Ukraine.

Other pressing topics for the 27 EU heads include the bloc’s own defence, as well as the challenges presented by climate change and competitiveness.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is to join the talks for an update on Kiev’s most urgent needs in its defence against Russia.

Leaders are expected to task the European Commission with drafting a proposal to make Russian central bank assets that are frozen in the EU available to Ukraine as a reparations loan.

Through this move, the bloc could provide Kiev with up to €140 billion ($162 billion) to finance its military and meet other financial needs.

Leaders will also aim to unanimously back the EU’s 19th package of sanctions on Moscow, which includes a ban on the import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia. This comes after Slovakia signalled readiness to drop its initial opposition.

Other topics on the agenda include defence, after the commission proposed four rearmament projects last week – in the areas of border protection, drone defence, air defence and space – to strengthen Europe’s military capabilities and deter Russia.

Leaders are also expected to address the bloc’s yet-to-be decided emissions reduction target for 2040 and the economic implications of fighting climate change, with EU countries struggling to agree on new reduction commitments.

Additional topics on the table are recent developments in the Middle East and the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, migration to the EU and affordable housing.