President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council António Costa in Brussels.
The Head of State thanked António Costa for the invitation to the special European Council meeting and highlighted the leadership of the heads of EU institutions in discussions on enhancing Europe's defense capabilities and strengthening Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also expressed his gratitude for the support from European leaders in the pursuit of a just and sustainable peace.
“You have sent a strong message to the Ukrainian people, to Ukrainian warriors, civilians, and all our families. It is very important that we are not alone. We feel it and we know it,” he emphasized.
The President of the European Council stressed the importance of strengthening Ukraine's and Europe's defense capabilities.
“Europe's security and defense are inseparable from Ukraine's security and defense. A more robust European defense enhances Ukraine's defense, while a stronger defense capability in Ukraine is also crucial for strengthening our own defense,” António Costa emphasized.
The President of the European Commission stressed that she would present a plan for the rearmament of Europe at the European Council meeting, which provides for up to EUR 800 billion in defense sector investments.
“It gives member states financial space for defense investments. It enables them to invest in Ukraine's defense industry or purchase military assets that will be immediately transferred to Ukraine. In this way, it aims to benefit the rearmament of Europe, the rearmament of the European Union, and the arming of Ukraine in its existential struggle for its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Ursula von der Leyen noted.
During the meeting, the participants discussed current needs of the Defense Forces, particularly the strengthening of air defense, the timely delivery of all types of weapons and ammunition, as well as enhancing the production capabilities of Ukraine's defense industry.
A separate discussion was held on Ukraine's EU accession negotiations. Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope that the Presidents of the European Commission and the European Council would facilitate the opening of the first “Foundations” cluster.
The Head of State also thanked for the 16th EU sanctions package against Russia and called on to start work on the 17th package, which should strengthen counteraction to the circumvention of sanctions and expand restrictions on the ships of Russia’s shadow fleet and their captains.
