Russia's intensifying strikes show battlefield failure, EU Council President says

Europe-Asia, International

ANKARA, Türkiye (NPA) — President of the European Council, António Costa, has said Russia’s intensified attacks on Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure demonstrate its failure to achieve its military objectives on the battlefield.

Costa made the remarks on the sidelines of the ongoing NATO Summit in Ankara following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Costa said the European Union remained committed to supporting Ukraine and advancing its bid for membership of the bloc.

According to him, negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union are progressing, with the opening of a new negotiating cluster expected soon.

“There is growing global momentum to deliver peace through strength by increasing financial, energy and military support for Ukraine while stepping up pressure on Russia to engage in meaningful peace talks,” he said.

Costa added that Russia’s escalating attacks on Ukraine’s cities and infrastructure underscored its inability to achieve its objectives through military action.

“We stand with Ukraine every step of the way,” he said.

Newpost Africa reports that the European Union has expanded financial and military support for Ukraine as the war enters another year. In recent weeks, the European Commission began disbursing billions of euros under the Ukraine Support Loan and Facility, funding drones, air defence systems, ammunition and broader budgetary needs. EU leaders reaffirmed their commitment to long‑term political, financial, humanitarian and military aid.

Meanwhile, the European Council reiterated its backing for Ukraine’s EU membership bid, following the first accession negotiations cluster in June. Leaders pledged to maintain pressure on Russia while supporting Ukraine’s economic recovery, defence and post‑war reconstruction as part of the bloc’s security strategy.

The conflict has also seen Ukraine intensify long‑range strikes on military and energy infrastructure inside Russia. Forces have increasingly used drones and precision weapons to hit oil depots, refineries, air bases and logistics hubs, saying the operations aim to weaken Russia’s war effort. Moscow has condemned the attacks, while Kyiv insists they are legitimate military targets under its right to self‑defence.