The visit, a demonstration of solidarity with war-weary Ukraine amid Russia's ongoing invasion, coincided with the start of terms for a host of newly appointed senior European Union officials on December 1.
"On our very first day in office, I am here in Kyiv, together with the High Representative and Vice President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, and the new Commissioner in charge of Enlargement, Marta Kos," Costa said at a joint news conference alongside Zelensky in the Ukrainian capital.
"Our presence here today, the anniversary of Ukraine’s independence referendum, demonstrates the European Union’s unwavering support to the Ukrainian people and its courageous struggle for a just and lasting peace," he told reporters.
"International law must prevail against the unprovoked, immoral and illegal war of aggression launched by Russia against Ukraine," Costa declared, adding that "peace must prevail and the invasion must be defeated."
Pledge of further aid
While in Kyiv on Sunday, Costa, a former prime minister of Portugal, pledged continued EU support for Ukraine, including economic, humanitarian and military assistance, Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform reported.
He announced that EUR 4.2 billion would be allocated to support Ukraine’s budget by the end of the year.
Starting next year, Ukraine will receive EUR 1.5 billion every month from proceeds derived from frozen Russian assets, with part of the funds earmarked for defence spending, he said.
Condemning Russia's attacks on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure and energy facilities, Costa described them as inhumane.
He emphasised the suffering caused by depriving families of essential services such as electricity, heating and water.
EU preparing 15th package of sanctions against Russia
Costa also announced that the EU is preparing its 15th package of sanctions against Russia to further weaken Moscow's ability to wage war.
He said the bloc intended to continue piling economic pressure on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.
Dismissing the Kremlin's nuclear threats as "unacceptable," Costa warned that any form of appeasing the aggressor would undermine the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, including respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries, according to Ukrinform.
The new European Council president, António Costa (pictured), said in Kyiv on Sunday that the European Union was preparing a new batch of sanctions against Russia over its war against Ukraine. Photo: EPA/SERGEY DOLZHENKO
'We will continue to do everything possible to end this war': Zelensky
Ukraine's Zelensky wrote on the X social media platform that "this symbolic start to the new (EU) leadership’s work reflects the key priorities for all of us in Europe."
He added: "Peace is the foundation, and we will continue to do everything possible to end this war, which Russia has unleashed not only against Ukraine but also against a united Europe, as soon as possible and to strengthen Europe – both the EU institutions and the policies that support every European nation."
Zelensky also said he was "grateful for the support Ukraine has received since the very first day of Russia’s full-scale invasion."
In a message posted after the talks, Zelensky said that his "negotiations with the leadership of European institutions ... focused on strengthening our air defense, implementing all existing agreements on defense support, and discussing in detail how to achieve greater progress next year in Ukraine’s EU membership negotiations."
Zelensky added: "Next year will also see Poland and Denmark holding the EU Presidency, and we must do everything possible to ensure that the European project advances not only for Ukraine but also for Moldova and the Balkan states."
'Issue of NATO membership for Ukraine'
He revealed that his talks with the visiting EU officials "also addressed the issue of NATO membership" for Ukraine.
"An invitation to join the Alliance would fundamentally strengthen Ukraine before any negotiations to end the war—a step that would significantly contribute to ensuring a just and lasting peace," Zelensky said.
"I am grateful to all our partners standing with Ukraine on this issue. Geopolitical certainty for Ukraine is the foundation of peace for all of Europe," he added.
Zelensky told the media in Kyiv on Sunday that any invitation to join the alliance must apply to all of Ukraine's territory, but accepted that NATO's defence umbrella could not apply to the occupied parts of Ukraine with the war ongoing, the Reuters news agency reported.
In an earlier interview with British broadcaster Sky News, Zelensky suggested that a ceasefire deal could be reached to end the "hot phase of the war;" he also indicated that unoccupied parts of Ukraine could be placed "under the NATO umbrella," provided the invitation to join NATO acknowledged Ukraine's internationally recognised borders, according to a report.
'Unwavering support' of Ukraine
Costa wrote on X early on Sunday that the EU "has stood by the side of Ukraine" from day one of the war.
"From day one of our mandate, we are reaffirming our unwavering support to the Ukrainian people," he said.
'European Union wants Ukraine to win this war'
Kallas, a former prime minister of Estonia and a fierce critic of Russia, posted on X: "In my first visit since taking up office, my message is clear: the European Union wants Ukraine to win this war. We will do whatever it takes for that."
EU Enlargement chief Marta Kos, a Slovenian former diplomat who joined Costa and Kallas on their visit to Kyiv, wrote on X that she was honoured to be in the Ukrainian capital on her first day in the new role.
"We are here with a powerful message: Ukraine you can count on Europe’s unwavering and strong support on your path to freedom, peace and a fully European future," she said.
Russia invaded Ukraine by land, air and sea on February 24, 2022, starting the largest military conflict in Europe since World War II.
Sunday is day 1,011 of Russia's war on Ukraine.
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Source: IAR, PAP, Reuters, Ukrinform, consilium.europa.eu