EU preparing a multi-year plan to support Ukraine – Borrell

The European Union should focus its efforts not only on immediate support for Ukraine on the battlefield but also on a long-term aid program and prove that Russia's hopes for the EU "getting tired" are futile.

The EU High Representative, Josep Borrell, stated this today in Stockholm, ahead of the informal meeting of foreign ministers of the EU members (Gymnich), Ukrinform reports.

"Today's meeting has two points: Russian aggression against Ukraine and recalibration of our relations with China. It is obvious from the first question that we should continue to support Ukraine and do so in the long term," the EU high representative emphasized. "Not only by providing ammunition to continue the fight but also with a view to the medium-term perspective, preparing multi-year support for Ukraine." 

He believes that Ukraine can rely on the EU's ongoing support in the daily fight of this war and for the future.

"Both Russia and Putin must understand that we will not fail (in these efforts – ed.). So they should stop waiting for us to get tired. We will not get tired," Borrell assured.

He mentioned that the ministers will discuss backing President Volodymyr Zelensky's peace plan and address the matter of holding accountable those responsible for crimes against Ukraine.

Borell emphasized that he supports creating an international tribunal, which other democratic countries agree with. So ministers will focus on finding quick solutions to this challenge that are practical, fast, and ready to use.

During the upcoming meeting of European government officials in Stockholm, China is expected to be a major topic of discussion. The ministers of foreign affairs have received a conceptual document from the European External Action Service outlining the EU's stance on China. This issue will be further deliberated by EU member states and governments during the European Council at the end of June.

"We cannot have normal relations with China unless it uses its powerful influence over Russia to stop this war. China's attitude to the war in Ukraine is the second strategic security issue that we will discuss today," Borrell emphasized.