Shmyhal, Borrell discuss strengthening security, countering Russian aggression

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell met in Kyiv on Thursday, January 6, to discuss the issue of strengthening security and sanctions to prevent further Russian aggression, according to the Ukrainian government's website.

"These days it is extremely important to see the active position of the heads of EU institutions and friends of Ukraine. We are looking forward to your further support and determination in making tough economic sanctions against Russia should it launch another round of aggression against our state," Shmyhal said.

He stressed that Ukraine appreciates the first visit by the EU High Representative to Donbas since the beginning of Russia's armed aggression.

Shmyhal stressed that Russia's goal is to prevent Ukraine from joining the EU and NATO. At the same time, Ukraine continues to fulfill its Euro-Atlantic and European integration commitments.

He thanked the European Union for its clear position on rejecting Russia's illegal demands.

"The so-called security proposals made by the Kremlin must be unanimously answered. Transatlantic unity is the key to strong support for Ukraine," Shmyhal said.

He noted that Ukraine appreciates the EU's position on its readiness to respond quickly to further military aggression against the country, in particular by imposing a package of new unprecedented sanctions.

He also thanked Borrell for his personal support in the potential deployment of the EU's military advisory and training mission in Ukraine in 2022.

"Such a step will, of course, demonstrate the steadfastness of the European community in its full support of Ukraine and could be an additional guarantee for strengthening Ukraine's national defense capabilities and resilience to existing external and internal threats," he said.

Shmyhal also thanked the European Union for joining the Crimea Platform.

For his part, Borrell expressed interest in continuing to deepen cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union in various fields, including within the Crimea Platform. According to him, one of the promising areas of cooperation may also be cooperation in the field of cybersecurity.

Borrell stressed that the EU is and remains a reliable partner of Ukraine.

On January 4-6, Borrell is on his third visit to Ukraine at the invitation of Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

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