European Council President António Costa said the European Union’s top priority in peace negotiations on Ukraine is securing an immediate ceasefire from Russia, warning that continued aggression will result in stronger sanctions.
Speaking at a press conference in Lisbon following a videoconference of European Council members, Costa emphasized that ending the violence is the essential first step toward peace.
“As a first step, Russia must immediately end the violence. Our top priority must be to stop the killings,” he said. “Whether we call it a ceasefire or a truce is secondary; what matters is that we maintain pressure through sanctions if Russia does not comply.”
Costa underscored the need for continued and coordinated pressure on Moscow, calling this a pivotal moment to bolster collective defense efforts.
“More than ever, it is crucial to maintain strong pressure on Russia,” he said. “Now is the time to accelerate our practical work to put in place a guarantee similar to NATO’s Article 5, with continued U.S. engagement. The Coalition of the Willing should remain closely involved in this process.”
He also reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s military capabilities, noting that the Ukrainian Armed Forces remain the “first line of defense.”
“That is why we must enhance, reinforce and unblock our military support to Ukraine,” Costa said. “The EU is already the largest provider of military and economic assistance, and we will continue to explore how we can do more.”
His comments came amid renewed diplomatic efforts following talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15.
Afterward, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several European leaders met with Trump at the White House to discuss potential diplomatic pathways to end Russia’s ongoing aggression.
