EU leaders sign security deal with Ukraine amid political uncertainty

They will also set strategic 5-year agenda for bloc, make key appointments at summit

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European Union leaders signed a security agreement with Ukraine on June 27, kicking off a two-day summit at which they will also set a strategic course for the EU for the next five years and appoint the people who will run the bloc's key institutions.

Leaders of the 27 EU countries, meeting formally for the first time since European elections from June 6 to 9, gave a warm welcome to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who made a rare personal appearance in Brussels for the signing ceremony.

The security deal underlines EU support for Kyiv, fighting off Moscow's invasion for a third year, despite gains by the far right in European elections, uncertainty created by French snap elections and the US presidential vote in November.

Draft conclusions of the summit showed that the leaders will reiterate their pledge to support Ukraine as long as it takes, stressing that "Russia must not prevail" and that Ukraine must get back the land annexed by Moscow.