Former Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa began his term as President of the European Council yesterday with a visit to Kiev, Ukraine.

Costa praised the courage of the Ukrainian people and highlighted the European Union's commitment to the country's future.

"We defend Ukraine and continue to offer full support - humanitarian, financial, military and diplomatic," said Costa.

The delegation on the trip included the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, and the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, who also took office this Sunday in the EU executive.

Costa announced funding for the reconstruction of Ukraine's electricity supply system, and has already sent 4,200,000,000 euros in aid.