Russia must feel Europe's readiness to defend unity, Zelenskyy states
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Photo: Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The Russian Federation should feel that Europe will not abandon its idea of preserving and protecting its unity, according to President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
According to the president, Ukraine must maintain confidence in its partners, particularly in the European Union.
"First of all, it is very important to maintain confidence in relations with our partners, in particular in the European Union. I am grateful for the understanding of the macro-financial situation and the necessity for further unwavering support for Ukraine. This is the key signal the enemy must see. Russia must feel that Europe maintains readiness to defend its values and unity at all levels," says Zelenskyy.
The president emphasizes that Ukrainians should experience tangible results from the country's foreign policy activities.
"... as the social situation in Ukraine today is largely based on the quality of implementation of international agreements," he underscores.
Negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU
On November 8, 2023, the European Commission recommended to the European Council to start negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the European Union. Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, noted that Kyiv had fulfilled 90% of the necessary reforms to initiate negotiations.
By the end of winter, the European Commission may assess Ukraine's progress in implementing Euro-integrative reforms necessary for EU accession. The initiation of negotiations on the country's future membership in the community will depend on this assessment.
