BRUSSELS, June 28 – European Union leaders consider it necessary to step up support for Ukraine's energy sector and speed up preparations for winter support.

"The European Council calls for urgently stepping up support for Ukraine's energy sector by the European Union and Member States, in coordination with partners. It invites the Commission, the High Representative and the Council to accelerate preparations to support Ukraine during the winter," according to the conclusions of the European Council, approved during a meeting on Thursday.