Zelensky, von der Leyen coordinate steps on Ukraine-EU summit

“I am glad to start the year with a phone call with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. I expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of the EU. We are waiting for the first tranche of macro-financial aid in January, the first batch of energy-saving lamps, school buses, generators and modular houses,” Zelensky wrote on Telegram.

According to him, the leaders also coordinated steps on the EU-Ukraine Summit.

“We feel support and are moving towards victory together,” Zelensky wrote.

According to the President’s Office, Zelensky informed the President of the European Commission on the situation on the battlefield and consequences of regular Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure across Ukraine with missiles and drones.

In turn, the President of the European Commission assured of unwavering solidarity with Ukraine and stressed that the EU would stand with Ukraine in the struggle against the aggressor in 2023 as well, until Ukraine's victory. The parties discussed ways to further strengthen the capacity of the Armed Forces of Ukraine by supplying appropriate weapons.

A separate topic of conversation was the implementation of a new macro-financial assistance program for Ukraine in the amount of EUR 18 billion. Zelensky stressed the importance of receiving the first tranche of this assistance in the amount of EUR 3 billion as early as in January.

The President of Ukraine expressed gratitude for the active involvement of the European Commission in the implementation of a number of humanitarian initiatives in Ukraine. The parties agreed that the first 15 million LED lamps financed by the EC would be delivered to Ukraine in January.

In addition, Zelensky noted the importance of quick practical implementation and involvement of the EU member states in the initiative of the First Lady to purchase school buses for the affected regions of Ukraine.

The President of Ukraine also informed Ursula von der Leyen of the progress of Ukraine's implementation of the seven recommendations of the European Commission provided in the context of Ukraine’s acquisition of the EU candidate status.

As reported, the Ukraine-EU summit will take place on February 3, 2023.