EU increases support for Ukraine and Gaza

The European Union is stepping up support for Ukraine and Gaza as conflicts deepen on both fronts. 

EU leaders say peace efforts are increasingly at risk after a Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy killed 34 people and wounded more than 100 on Palm Sunday, according to local authorities.

French President Emmanuel Macron called the strike "a blatant disregard for human lives," while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the attack showed "why Europe must keep pressure on Moscow."

U.S. President Donald Trump called the Sumy attack "a mistake." The White House has not commented on his remarks.

Kallas confirmed that the EU is moving ahead with a $5.9 billion package for Ukraine which includes two million rounds of high-caliber ammunition. The plan aims to boost arms production and speed up delivery to the front.

Meanwhile, in Gaza, the EU is urging an immediate ceasefire. Brussels is also calling for full access for humanitarian groups.

Food and supplies have been blocked in the territory for weeks and aid workers are warning of a growing health crisis in the region.

The EU has pledged $1.8 billion in new aid for Gaza to support emergency relief and future rebuilding efforts.

Kallas wrote on X that the funds will help restore basic infrastructure, saying the goal is to prepare the Palestinian Authority "to govern Gaza… when the time comes."

"We are a long-standing partner of the Palestinian Authority," she added.

The new package builds on a three-year plan worth $1.5 billion.

In a statement on the Israel-Gaza conflict, Kallas said: "Israel has the right to defend itself, but its current actions go beyond proportionate self-defence."

She added: "We welcome the Arab plan for the reconstruction of Gaza, but at the same time, it lacks three important elements, which are funding, security and the governance of Gaza."

The EU is also working on a 17th round of sanctions against Russia.

Kallas said the new measures will target defense and technology sectors, as well as efforts to bypass existing sanctions.

As tensions rise in both Ukraine and Gaza, EU officials say their role is critical in shaping the path to peace and stability.