The European Council is set to reaffirm its continuous and unwavering support for Ukraine during its summit on March 6th, according to the latest draft conclusions released on Tuesday (04.03.2025). “The EU will continue to stand by Ukraine and its people. The European Council confirms its ongoing and steadfast support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders,” the 27 European leaders are expected to emphasize in their conclusions following the summit. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has broader implications for European and international security. Since the war began, the EU and its member states, along with partners and allies, have underscored the need to end it through a comprehensive, fair, and lasting peace based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law. Looking ahead to new dynamics for negotiations aimed at achieving a comprehensive, fair, and lasting peace, the European Council is expected to highlight key principles: (a) no negotiations about Ukraine without Ukraine; (b) no negotiations affecting European security without Europe’s involvement; (c) a ceasefire can only be part of the process leading to a comprehensive peace agreement; (d) any such agreement must include strong and reliable security guarantees for Ukraine to deter future Russian aggression; (e) peace must respect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Leaders also anticipate emphasizing that achieving ‘peace through strength’ requires Ukraine to be in the strongest possible defensive position before, during, and after peace talks. To this end, the ’27’ are expected to stress that the EU remains committed to providing enhanced political, economic, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people while intensifying pressure on Russia to weaken its capacity to continue the war. The EU will provide €30.6 billion to Ukraine in 2025, including €12.5 billion from the Macro-Financial Assistance Facility and €18.1 billion as part of the G7 package agreed in June 2024. A capable Ukraine able to defend itself effectively is an integral part of any future security guarantees. The European Council is expected to welcome member states’ readiness to address further pressing military and defense needs of Ukraine and calls on the Council to promote efforts to strengthen EU military support for Ukraine. Leaders are also expected to highlight the need to intensify work to further support and develop Ukraine’s defense industry and deepen cooperation with the European defense industry. Finally, they are expected to emphasize that member states are ready to contribute further to Ukraine’s security guarantees, exploring potential use of Common Security and Defense Policy instruments, in consultation with Ukraine and like-minded transatlantic partners.