Zelensky on results of meeting with Michel: Scale of cooperation is new history for both Ukraine and EU

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky stated this following his meeting with Charles Michel in Kyiv on Thursday, Ukrinform reports with reference to the president’s press service.

Welcoming the President of the European Council to Kyiv, the Head of State noted that Charles Michel is a true friend of Ukraine and that today's negotiations are meaningful and important. 

“I informed Mr. President about the situation on the battlefield, on the frontline, on what the enemy's next steps might be. Thank you, Charles, for your willingness to consistently help Ukraine and our people. I am sincerely grateful to you for this. And thank you for your deep understanding of all the needs of our warriors and for promoting our policy of supporting Ukraine. The sooner the necessary decisions are made by some leaders directly in Europe on defense supplies to our fighters, Ukrainian warriors, the more reliably we will be able to guarantee the safety of our people, the safety of all Europeans," Zelensky said. 

According to him, in addition to defense issues, the parties discussed further strengthening of sanctions pressure on the Russian Federation, steps to implement the Ukrainian Peace Formula, where the European Union can become one of the powerful leaders and help expand the circle of partners, as well as bilateral cooperation with the EU and the process of Ukraine's European integration, which is a priority for every citizen of our country. 

"Sanctions against Russia significantly reduce the potential of a terrorist state and should remain one of the key defense tools for Europe and the world. Therefore, it is very important that sanctions are powerful and substantive. The strength of such sanctions should be able to stop aggression," Zelensky emphasized. 

According to the President of Ukraine, today they discussed specific decisions that could increase pressure on Russia and its accomplices, particularly Iran, which continues to supply Iranian drones for terror. Zelensky expressed hope that the tenth EU sanctions package would be even more effective. 

"The time has come for sanctions against the Russian nuclear industry, against all its sectors, organizations, and all entities working for the Russian missile program. We also need new steps in the energy sector, including an embargo on Russian energy carriers," the President emphasized.

The parties discussed specific measures that could ensure the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula. 

"I greatly appreciate the EU's support for our formula, the willingness of Mr. President to participate and be one of the leaders of the Peace Formula Summit, which we will definitely conduct and which will be organized accordingly," Zelensky said. 

He expressed hope that not only EU member states, but also candidate states would be involved in the implementation of the Peace Formula and support for relevant international efforts, including the UN General Assembly resolution that is being prepared.

Volodymyr Zelensky also thanked Charles Michel for his high assessment of Ukraine's implementation of the European Commission's recommendations for membership in the European Union. According to the President of Ukraine, the next step may be an interim positive assessment of Ukraine's efforts by the EU.  

The parties discussed the main expectations for the current year, including the strengthening of energy security on the continent in view of the Russian terror against Ukrainian energy facilities.

The Head of State thanked for the large package of support for the Ukrainian budget from the EU in the amount of EUR 18 billion and the allocation of the first tranche (EUR 3 billion).

The two leaders also discussed preparations for the 24th EU-Ukraine Summit to be held in early February

For his part, Charles Michel noted that since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the European Union has immediately chosen to mobilize maximum support for the Ukrainian state. 

"Recently, Ukraine has been receiving heavy weapons, air defense. And I think we need to continue moving in this direction. Because perhaps the next few weeks will be crucial and decisive," he said.

In addition, the EU is constantly mobilizing its financial resources to support Ukraine. Charles Michel recalled the EU's decision to provide our country with macro-financial assistance totaling EUR 18 billion in 2023.

President of the European Council emphasized the importance of humanitarian aid, support for internally displaced persons, and political support for Ukraine.

"We have mobilized support for the choice of your free, sovereign people to become a member of the European Union. A few months ago, we granted you candidate status and we are determined to work directly and closely with you, Volodymyr, with our teams to move forward. So that everyone can do their part of the job as quickly as possible," he said.

Earlier, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and President of the European Council Charles Michel visited the Walk of the Brave on Constitution Square in Kyiv and took part in the unveiling of a plaque dedicated to the European leader.

The President of Ukraine also awarded the President of the European Council with the Order of Merit of the first degree

Photo: President’s Office