The EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, suggests planning military support to Ukraine from the EU as a long-term project aimed at strengthening its defence capabilities.

Josep Borrell stated in a media comment ahead of the meeting of EU leaders that the only response Western allies can provide to any events in Russia is to continue supporting Ukraine.

He noted that he will ask EU leaders to continue funding the European Peace Facility and reminded that its funding was recently increased to 3.5 billion euros.

Borrell was also asked about possible security guarantees to Ukraine before its accession to NATO.

"Now, that we talk about security commitments. From my side, it means that the military support to Ukraine has to [be in the] long haul. It is not just the next €500 million [support] package," Borrell responded.

He added that this entails planning further support to Ukraine both during and after the war.

"We have to make Ukraine able to defend [itself]. So, the European Peace Facility for Ukraine maybe has to become a Ukrainian Defence Fund. The training has to continue, the modernisation of the army has to continue. Ukraine needs our commitment to continue ensuring their security during the war and after the war," emphasised the EU High Representative.

Previously, Borrell also stated that Russia with a weakened leadership in the Kremlin means greater risks, and the EU countries will need to pay attention to them.

As reported, the European Council is expected to discuss the future security commitments that the European Union can provide to Ukraine, which aspires to become EU and NATO member.