Brussels/Kyiv, 16 July 2022 (TDI): The High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Vice President of EU Commission, Josep Borrell Fontelles held a virtual meeting with Ukraine’s Prime Minister, Denys Shmyhal.
The meeting took place on on Friday.
The European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi, was also present.
In the meeting, the Prime Minister of Ukraine discussed taking concrete steps to speed up Ukraine’s integration into the EU. He informed that Ukraine has fulfilled 63% of the Association Agreement already, and in the coming times, it is likely to make more progress.
He added that it was all because of the support of the EU and other partners that Ukraine could implement reforms even during these war conditions.
Furthermore, he also exchanged his view on Russian actions. He said that Russia should be recognized as a terrorist state as they have attacked peaceful cities of Ukraine. He said that Ukraine has to fight an unjustified and unprovoked war because of Russia’s aggression.
Attacking peaceful cities like Vinnytsia, Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, russia acts as a terrorist. It should be recognized as a terrorist state at the int. level. Appealed for this to the EU in conversation w/ @JosepBorrellF. Emphasized the need to strengthen sanctions. We must #Stoprussia pic.twitter.com/PRZg0yDqCH
— Denys Shmyhal (@Denys_Shmyhal) July 15, 2022
Lastly, he concluded and appealed to the Vice President to further tighten and strengthen sanctions on Russia.
Vice President assures EU’s support:
The Vice President of the EU commission assured Prime Minister Shmyhal that the EU stands with Ukraine. He said that the EU would continue to provide military and financial support to Ukraine in its fight against Russia. He further added that they would continue to take more steps to stop and sanction Russia.
In-depth conversation with Ukraine’s Prime Minister @Denys_Shmyhal, together with @OliverVarhelyi. We discussed our sustained and determined efforts to support #Ukraine in facing Russian agression.
Assured him of the EU’s unwavering military and financial support pic.twitter.com/MbUx8bs4TZ— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) July 15, 2022
The European Commissioner, Oliver Varhelyi, also assured the Prime Minister that the EU supports Ukraine against Russian aggression. He also emphasized that Ukraine should focus on continuing reforms to make steady progress on its path to the EU.
Later on, the Commissioner announced that both parties have started preparing for the EU-Ukraine Association Council in September.
Good discussions together w/ HRVP @JosepBorrellF with 🇺🇦PM @Denys_Shmyhal. EU continues to support Ukrainian people against RU aggression. Important for Ukraine to continue reforms on its European path. We have started preparing the September EU-Ukraine Association Council.
— Oliver Varhelyi (@OliverVarhelyi) July 15, 2022
On Friday, the EU also announced that sanctions on Russia were being revised. To further tighten these sanctions, the EU seeks to sanction Russian gold.
