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The Foreign Affairs Council discussed the Russian aggression against Ukraine, after an intervention of the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, who joined the meeting in person to provide an overview of the situation on the ground, Ukraine’s most urgent priorities and ongoing diplomatic developments.
The Council then held a discussion on how to increase pressure on Russia, including through the 19th sanctions package.
Ukraine has been ready for an unconditional ceasefire already since February, but Russia has no genuine interest in peace. We all support President Trump's efforts to end the war, but Putin will only negotiate seriously if he thinks he is losing.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council
The Council discussion then focused on how to further support Ukraine both militarily and financially, including through the use of immobilised assets, as well as in the context of recent Russian attacks on energy infrastructure and winterisation.
As we heard from Minister Sybiha, Russia's terror attacks on the energy grid are intensifying. Russia seeks to inflict as much harm on the civilians as possible. Today, we invited the European Commission to propose additional measures to better support Ukrainian energy security. Member states also agreed to reach out to third countries to secure repair equipment and increase gas deliveries to Ukraine.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council
The High Representative then touched on Moscow’s shadow fleet, announcing more robust European responses against it, and better coordination.
Lastly the High Representative informed the Council that so far 26 member states have committed to becoming parties to the Special Tribunal for the Crimes of Aggression against Ukraine.
The Council held a discussion on the relations between the EU and the Indo-Pacific region and approved two sets of conclusions on Indiaand the Indo-Pacific respectively.
This region is a key partner to the European Union. Together, we account for more than 70 percent of global trade in goods and services. Next month, we will host the EU - Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Brussels, which will bring together some 80 delegations, making it one of the largest diplomatic gatherings in Europe this year. This reflects our commitment to closer cooperation with partners on trade, technology and security.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council
The Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East, in light of the agreement on the first phase of the Comprehensive Plan to end the Gaza Conflict put forward by President Trump on 29 September, and the agreement to enter the first phase of its implementation on 10 October, which includes a ceasefire.
On the Middle East, the ceasefire in Gaza has just faced its first major stress test. Hamas attacks on Palestinian civilians and its refusal to disarm make the ceasefire increasingly fragile. The EU is the largest financial backer of the Palestinian Authority and Gaza's biggest humanitarian donor. Our border assistance mission stands ready to deploy.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council
The Council discussed how the EU can put its full weight behind the peace plan, including by providing additional governance and reconstruction support. Ministers also addressed the measures proposed by the European Commission's regarding Israel.
The ceasefire has changed the context, that is clear for everybody. However, unless we see real and sustained change on the ground, including more aid reaching Gaza, the threat of sanctions remains on the table.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council
Under current affairs, the High Representative touched on the Republic ofMoldova and the outcome of the recent election, which showed a strong support for a European future. The Council discussed the lessons learned from and agreed to launch an initiative aimed at further modernising the election observation methods.
The High Representative referred to the situation in Georgia and updated ministers about the latest developments, including the municipal elections that took place on 4 October 2025 and the ongoing democratic backsliding. The High Representative stressed that the Commission will present its visa suspension mechanism report later this year giving ministers the opportunity to consider future measures.
The Council was informed about the situation in Sudan and approved conclusions on the situation in the country.
Ministerial Meeting on Cross-regional Security and Connectivity
After the Foreign Affairs Council, the High Representative convened the Ministerial Meeting on Cross-regional Security and Connectivity together with Commissioners Kos and Síkela.
The meeting gathered ministers of the EU, Eastern Partnership, Black Sea and Central Asian countries, with the objective of jointly advancing on a cross-regional connectivity agenda and reinforcing regional stability.
The ministerial meeting consisted of two sessions: one devoted to security, stability and resilience in the Black Sea region, with the participation of EU member states, Armenia, Azerbaijan, the Republic of Moldova, Türkiye and Ukraine; and a second one gathering EU member states, Eastern Partnership, Black Sea and Central Asian countries focusing on shared opportunities and challenges of cross-regional connectivity cooperation.
