President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in the EU-Ukraine Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Kyiv.
In his speech, the Head of State noted that today's offsite meeting of the EU Foreign Ministers is not only a significant manifestation of solidarity with Ukraine, but also a new step towards strengthening Europe, adding to its leadership and initiative.
“It is very important for all of us to be able to take such steps in every area – steps forward, without halting. Adding to Europe’s activity, adding to Europe’s leadership. We need to constantly take new steps – defense and diplomatic, political and integration, economic and sanctions-related – that will consolidate our common ground. The more activity, leadership and initiatives we show, the fewer chances Russia will have to adapt to our joint pressure,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.
Among the important steps to be taken, the President of Ukraine mentioned: first, active defense support for Ukraine and protection of life (supplying weapons, shells, expanding the range of training for Ukrainian troops and increasing joint production capacities of the defense industry); second, involving as many world leaders and states as possible in the implementation of the Peace Formula; third, accession of seven more European countries to the security guarantees for Ukraine on its way to NATO; fourth, intensification of drafting a new EU sanctions package against Russia and expansion of sanctions against Iran; fifth, the beginning of negotiations on Ukraine's membership in the EU this year, approval by the EU institutions of a financial instrument for Ukraine – the Ukraine Facility, as well as acceleration of work in the EU to direct frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine’s recovery from the damage caused by the war.
“I am confident that Ukraine and the entire free world can prevail in this confrontation. But our victory explicitly depends on our cooperation – the more powerful and principled steps we take together, the sooner this war will end. End fairly. With the restoration of our territorial integrity and a reliable guarantee of peace for the whole of Europe,” the President concluded.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell noted that the EU continues to admire the heroic struggle of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people for their freedom and against Russian aggression.
"You can rest assured of our determination to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes," said Josep Borrell.
