Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on the EU to intensify sanctions pressure on Russia in Brussels

Ukraine must continue to move to the European Union, and European integration is a guarantee of the independence of the Ukrainian state. It was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a joint briefing with President of the European Council Donald Tusk in Brussels.

The Head of State thanked Donald Tusk and President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker for the invitation to visit Brussels and a special feeling of unity and mutual understanding.

“Following the results of my meetings, I can confidently say that the European Union will remain a reliable partner of Ukraine on the way to creating new stories of success. European integration is, first of all, about ensuring systemic internal changes in the state and implementation of reforms and commitments stipulated by the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU,” the President said.

According to the Head of State, he and his team are determined to implement reforms and change the life in Ukraine for the better. The early parliamentary elections initiated by him are intended to accelerate the reboot of the political system riddled with corruption.

“One of the most important directions of our work and my work in particular will be the intensification of the fight against corruption, ensuring the effective functioning of the anti-corruption bodies, judicial reform and establishment of e-governance. The counteraction to the Russian aggression and consolidation of international support in the struggle for Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity are also among my priorities,” he said.

The President of Ukraine thanked the President of the European Council for the EU’s immutable support of Ukraine and called for the further strengthening of the sanctions pressure on Russia in order to bring peace to Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Tusk discussed the situation with regard to the citizens of Ukraine illegally detained in Russia, in particular 24 military sailors, and the joint efforts for their release. They also touched upon the possibilities of improving the lives of Ukrainians living in the temporarily occupied territories.

The President said he would be glad to welcome European partners on July 8 at the Ukraine-EU summit in Kyiv.

“This will be an important opportunity to provide a new, powerful impetus to the development of our relations. As a result of the meeting, we came to the conclusion that not only Ukraine needs the European Union as a guarantor of its success as an independent and prosperous state, but also the European Union needs a democratic, friendly, stable, strong Ukraine,” the Head of State emphasized.

For his part, the President of the European Council stressed that the first visit of the President of Ukraine to Brussels was a very serious signal, and the European Union would always be ready to help Ukraine strengthen democracy and the rule of law, fight corruption, stabilize the economy and continue the reforms of the energy sector.

He also emphasized that the European Union was ready to continue work on the implementation of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU and would provide financial support for the Ukrainian reforms.

Donald Tusk said that during the meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky, the threats to Ukraine’s security had been discussed.

“The European Union will stick to its course and continue to support the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine. We condemn Russia’s decision to grant Russian citizenship to the Ukrainians in Donbas and residents of Crimea, which contradicts the Minsk agreements,” he said.

According to the President of the European Council, the EU further calls on Russia to release illegally detained citizens of Ukraine, including 24 sailors.

Donald Tusk also stressed that Ukraine could rely on the European Union, which would remain its best friend and ally.