Read-out by President von der Leyen following her call with President Zelenskyy

Good call with President Zelenskyy.

Fully supported the call of President Zelenskyy for a ceasefire that would protect global food supplies and energy infrastructure in Ukraine and Russia

The war has entered a new, grimmer phase. Russia is stalling on the battlefield and striking civilians far behind the front lines.

I conveyed our solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

And my full support for President Zelenskyy as he leads the fight for his people's freedom.

Ukraine will be front and centre at this week's European Council.

We will discuss its funding needs for the year ahead and how to mobilise fresh global support.

This week, the EU will also provide further funding for drones and missiles to strengthen Ukraine's defences and protect its skies.

We are also due to open two further clusters of chapters in the negotiations. The momentum is real.