UPDATE - EU foreign ministers express support for US efforts to end Russia-Ukraine war

UPDATES WITH GAZA REMARKS; ADDS DECK; EDITS THROUGH

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - The EU foreign ministers have expressed support for US steps that will lead to "a just peace" in Ukraine, the bloc's foreign policy chief said on Monday.

"Meanwhile, we work on more sanctions against Russia, more military support for Ukraine and more support for Ukraine’s budgetary needs and accession process to join the EU," Kaja Kallas said on X.

Her remarks came following an informal videoconference of EU foreign affairs ministers that discussed recent developments ahead of US President Donald Trump's planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the US state of Alaska on Friday.

Transatlantic unity, support for Ukraine, and pressure on Russia are "how we will end this war and prevent future Russian aggression in Europe," she noted.

- 'War in Gaza grows more dangerous by hour'

The situation and latest developments in the Middle East, particularly the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, were among the foreign ministers' agenda during Monday's informal meeting.

On the situation in Gaza, Kallas said: "The war in Gaza grows more dangerous by the hour."

She noted that the bloc's priorities remain humanitarian support, including access for NGOs, with an immediate ceasefire and release of remaining hostages.

"If a military solution was possible, the war would already be over," added Kallas.

Her remarks on Gaza came amid mounting criticism against Israel over its plans to fully occupy Gaza City.

On Friday, Israel’s Security Cabinet approved Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to fully occupy Gaza City, drawing sharp international backlash from governments and human rights bodies.

Israel is facing mounting condemnation for its genocidal war on Gaza, where it has killed nearly 61,500 victims since October 2023. The military campaign has devastated the enclave, which is also facing famine-related deaths.