The leaders of the 27 EU countries are discussing, in Prague, Russia's war on Ukraine, the energy crisis and the economic situation. The informal European Council follows Thursday's first meeting of the European Political Community, which brought together a group of 44 countries, excluding Belarus and Russia. 

Speaking via a video link, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Europe to punish Moscow through increased arms supplies security guarantees. "We, the leaders of Europe, can become the leaders of peace. Our European political community can become a European community of peace", Volodymyr Zelensky said.

The two-day meetings in Prague continue against the backdrop of the 8th package of sanctions against Russia adopted by the EU. The package includes the introduction of a price cap related to the maritime transport of Russian oil for third countries and further restrictions on the maritime transport of crude oil and petroleum products to third countries. Steel imports from Russia and exports of aviation equipment to Russia have been also banned. The sanctions package also envisages a complete ban on the provision of crypto-asset wallets, accounts or custody services to Russian persons and residents.