Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva had a phone conversation with European Policy Advisor to the Federal Chancellor of Germany Undine Ruge.
Ihor Zhovkva thanked the German side for the strong political support shown by Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz during his visit to Ukraine on Thursday. The Deputy Head of the Office of the President emphasized the importance of Germany's support for granting Ukraine the status of a candidate for accession to the European Union.
Ihor Zhovkva expressed hope that such a clear leadership position of Germany will contribute to achieving unity within the EU on a positive decision in favor of Ukraine as a candidate country for membership in the European Union during the European Council session on June 23-24 this year.
"Ukraine and the Ukrainian people deserve this decision," he said.
"The decision to grant our country candidate status will be deeply symbolic for Ukrainians as a manifestation of European solidarity. It will also be important in practice as a powerful impetus for further reforms. We understand that there is still a lot of work ahead, but we are ready to follow the recommendations and ask to treat Ukraine in view of our achievements," Ihor Zhovkva added.
The Deputy Head of the Office of the President thanked the German side for supporting the introduction of the sixth package of EU sanctions against Russia and called for further strengthening of sanctions pressure.
"The next package should include new sanctions in the fields of energy, finance and trade, new personal sanctions against Russian oligarchs, government officials and heads of state-owned enterprises, as well as measures to close all opportunities to circumvent and evade sanctions," he said.