Ukraine - EU: Summit in conditions of war

Welcoming the EU representatives to Ukraine, Zelensky thanked them for the fact that the European team had found an opportunity to come to Kyiv in such a format despite the full-scale aggression of Russia, Ukrinform reports, referring to the president’s press service.

"This spring, we expect an interim assessment by the European Commission of our progress, which was achieved in extremely difficult conditions of confronting Russian terror and full-scale invasion. I am confident that what Ukraine has achieved deserves a positive assessment," Zelensky said.

The Ukrainian president expressed gratitude for the presentation of the Analytical Report on the implementation of EU acquis by Ukraine. It will become the basis for the preparation of the national plan of adaptation of Ukrainian legislation to the European one.

"Our goal is absolutely clear - to start negotiations on Ukraine's membership in the European Union. And I believe that the EU will also be ready for negotiations on Ukraine's accession this year," he emphasized.

President of the European Council Charles Michel noted that the main goal of this Summit is to send a message to the Ukrainian state and people about unity, as well as about Ukraine's future in the EU.

Michel recalled that in June 2022, Ukraine was granted the status of a candidate for membership in the European Union, and Ukraine is moving quite rapidly along the European integration path.

"You can count on us. We will support your efforts. And the European Council is here to regularly analyze what needs to be done on the way to accession," he said.

According to the European Council president, financial, military and humanitarian support for Ukraine, encouragement of EU states to enhance their operational capabilities, and sanctions policy against Russia are very important now.

"Today, the sound of air alert reminds us that you are confronting a brutal aggressor. But the fact that during this war we are still here and discussing the future of Ukraine demonstrates that we are much stronger than this aggressor. And it will stay that way," President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said.

She also noted the progress achieved by Ukraine in implementing the seven recommendations of the European Commission, and expressed hope for further rapid progress.