Zelensky counts on EU support in concluding contract on Russian gas transit through Ukraine

21.05.2019 09:58

Ukrinform

President Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting with Vice-President of the European Commission for Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič, who arrived in Kyiv to attend the official ceremony of inauguration, the president’s press service reported on Monday evening.

During the meeting, the parties discussed a wide range of issues of cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union, as well as counteraction to Russia’s aggression in Donbas, prospects of de-occupation of Crimea and holding of the next round of trilateral gas talks in the format Ukraine-EU-Russia.

"As President of Ukraine, I count on the further support of the European Commission in the process of negotiations between Ukraine, EU and Russia with a view to concluding a contract for the Russian natural gas transit 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,” Zelensky said.

According to Zelensky, Ukraine is facing several challenges, first of all, the war in Donbas, and thus it is very important to increase sanctions against the aggressor country - Russia.

"I hope that the pressure of sanctions on the part of the EU will be continued. It is very important for us this to be in fact rather than in word. This is vital for Ukraine and the people we lose in Donbas," he said.

In turn, Maroš Šefčovič congratulated Volodymyr Zelensky 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 Volodymyr Zelensky success in his presidency.