Kyiv, 17 March 2022 (TDI): The prime ministers of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Poland and the People’s Republic of Slovenia arrived in Kyiv by train on March 15. The visit was supposed to be a gesture of “unequivocal” support for Ukraine amid the crisis
Sanctions against Russia must be devastating. Discussed with PM 🇵🇱 @MorawieckiM, 🇨🇿 @P_Fiala, 🇸🇮 @JJansaSDS plan of necessary measures, including recognition of Russia as a sponsor of terrorism, the closure of ports and severe embargo on Russian resources. pic.twitter.com/3vhNUctEbj
— Denys Shmyhal (@Denys_Shmyhal) March 15, 2022
Gesture of Solidarity
The leaders of the three European Union countries risked a train ride towards the war-torn country to meet the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in order to show solidarity. Besides, the three countries’ prime ministers met president Zelenskyy amid the curfew on Tuesday evening in Kyiv. Leaders of the three countries were the first western leaders to visit Ukraine since the war broke out.
Pre Visit announcements
The prime minister of Poland, Mateusz Morawiecki, announced the visit in a Facebook post. “We have to halt this tragedy unfolding in the East as quickly as possible”, the premier said in the post.
Likewise, The prime minister of the Czech Republic, Petr Fiala, took to Twitter to announce the meeting of the three leaders with the president of Ukraine and prime minister Denis Shmyhal. “The visit aims to express the European Union’s unequivocal support for Ukraine and its freedom and independence”, prime minister Fiala tweeted.
Further, Morawieck tweeted ahead of the visit. He said, “Europe must guarantee Ukraine’s independence and ensure that it is ready to help in Ukraine’s reconstruction”.
President Zelensky Acknowledges the Gesture
In addition, Ukraine praised the bravery of the leaders of the three European Union countries. Their hazardous journey from Poland to Kyiv via train amid the crisis was applauded. “Your visit is a powerful expression of support for Ukraine”, told president Zelensky to the leaders.
The three countries are all members of the NATO alliance as well as the member states of the European Union.
