Zelensky: Ukraine's EU membership one of key foundations of Europe’s economic, institutional security
Ukraine's membership in the EU is one of the key foundations of the economic and institutional security of the whole of Europe. Ukraine is ready to start negotiations on joining the EU as early as this year.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized this at the press conference following the meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
"We also discussed European relations and the possibilities of strengthening our common European home. In particular, we believe that one of the key foundations of the economic and institutional security of the whole of Europe is Ukraine's full membership in the EU, Ukraine's full accession to the European Union. And already this year we will be ready to start negotiations on Ukraine’s accession and it is important that Sweden supports us consistently, fundamentally on the way to the EU," said the president of Ukraine.
The head of state emphasized that another strategic issue is security guarantees for Ukraine on its way to NATO.
"Sweden supported the G7 declaration on security guarantees for Ukraine. We are grateful for that. And today our teams will discuss work on the relevant Ukrainian-Swedish bilateral document. There will be an opportunity to meet later. Sweden made an absolutely rational choice in favor of NATO. And the choice of our people is similar. I am sure that our states will be part of the Alliance," Zelensky said.
He added that Ukraine and Sweden will together guarantee security, in particular, in the entire Baltic Sea, Black Sea, and Sea of Azov regions.
As the president of Ukraine emphasized, in negotiations with all of the country’s partners in the Alliance, Ukraine called and continues to call on them to support Sweden's accession to NATO.
In particular, in the negotiations with Türkiye, relevant arguments were given in favor of Sweden in NATO.
This work to support Sweden in joining NATO will continue in the future, Zelensky underlined.
As reported by Ukrinform, on Saturday, August 19, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky during a visit to Sweden held a meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.