European Council President Charles Michel has travelled to Kiev to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky, Prime Minister Denis Shmykhal and members of the Ukrainian Parliament to discuss EU-Ukraine cooperation in the context of the Russian war of aggression launched last February.
« I firmly believe that the tanks must be delivered. We want to support you because we are aware that the next weeks could be decisive for the future, » he said.
Since the outbreak of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the EU has been a strong and consistent supporter of Ukraine, with unprecedented levels of economic, military and humanitarian support.
So far, the EU has spent nearly €50 billion to help Ukraine, including €11 billion in military assistance through the European Peace Facility and EU countries.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European Council chief Charles Michel warned on Tuesday that it would be difficult to decide at next month’s European Union meeting whether to open formal accession talks with Kiev. The European Council president said he would work to overcome these challenges and pave the way for the opening of accession talks.
« For us, the December decision is a motivating and mobilising decision. I think it is the decision that will help Ukraine to believe that justice works in the EU, » Zelensky told journalists.
At the press conference, Zelensky warned that the lack of unity within the EU over the decision to open formal negotiations raises other issues, including vital financial support for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia.
