President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a meeting with Vice-President of the European Commission for Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič.
The parties discussed a wide range of issues of cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union, as well as counteraction to the Kremlin's aggression in Donbas, prospects of de-occupation of Crimea and holding of the next round of tripartite negotiations in the Ukraine-EU-Russia format on preparations to the conclusion of the gas contract.
"As President of Ukraine, I count on the further support of the European Commission in the framework of the process of negotiations between Ukraine, EU and Russia with a view to concluding a contract for the transit of Russian natural gas through Ukraine's gas pipelines after 2019. We will also be grateful for the solidarity of the EU with regard to the counteraction to the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
The Head of State said he would like to see Ukraine as a true and, most importantly, valuable and equal country among other countries of the European Union.
He stressed that our state faced several challenges, first of all, the end of the war in Donbas.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed the importance of increasing sanctions against the aggressor country - Russia.
"Increasing sanctions against the Russian Federation for the aggression is our truly great hope. I am hopeful that the pressure of sanctions on the part of the EU will be continued. It is very important for us - not on paper. This is vital for Ukraine and the people we lose in Donbas," the Head of State emphasized.
The President emphasized that Ukraine was hopeful to continue cooperation with the European Union. He noted that for the given purpose, the Ukrainian side was ready to hold additional meetings. "For the European Union to know and be sure that Ukraine is ready to do the right, fair steps towards the EU," Volodymyr Zelenskyy added.
In turn, the Vice-President of the European Commission for Energy Union congratulated Volodymyr Zelenskyy on winning the presidential elections and assuming office.
He also noted that the EU highly appreciated the continuation of the European policy of Ukraine. In addition, Maroš Šefčovič wished the President of Ukraine success in the work.