Skip to content
Thu. Jun 19th, 2025
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of the European Council António Costa,
The new President of the European Council António Costa met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv.
Source: Ukrainian Presidency

Kyiv, 1 December 2024

Remarks of President António Costa at the joint press conference with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv

First of all let me thank you for your hospitality.

On our very first day in office, I am here in Kyiv, together with the High Representative and Vice President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas and the new Commissioner in charge of Enlargement Marta Kos.

Our presence here today, the anniversary of Ukraine’s independence referendum, demonstrates the European Union’s unwavering support to the Ukrainian people and its courageous struggle for a just and lasting peace.

International law must prevail against the unprovoked, immoral and illegal war of aggression launched by Russia against Ukraine. Peace must prevail and the invasion must be defeated.

To be here in Ukraine, on this particular day, has a very special meaning for me. On the first of December, for almost 400 years, every single year, my own country celebrates its independence day: our national sovereignty, the right to of self-determination, the right of territorial integrity and respect for its borders. Ukraine, like my country, like all countries in the world, has the same right under the UN Charter.

Ukrainian sovereignty, the integrity of its territory, its own borders must be respected. Rewarding the aggressor would be a threat to the entire international community. And we must be clear that the use of nuclear threats is unacceptable. This can never be put into question.

Russia’s reckless and deliberate attacks against Ukrainian civilian infrastructure and energy systems are inhumane. In fact, such actions are targeting people, children, families, depriving them of electricity, heat, water.

This is why, we come here to say directly to the Ukrainian people: we have  stood with you since the very first day of this war of aggression and you can count on us to continue to stand with you. These are not just words. We will continue giving humanitarian, economic, diplomatic, military and energy assistance.

On energy, we have financed the repair of 1/3 of the existing electricity generation capacity and more will come. This month, the European Union will provide Ukraine with an additional 4,2 billion euros to support the Ukrainian budget.

On top of this, starting next month, we plan to provide, for a full year, every month, 1,5 billion euros of assistance. This money comes from the proceeds of Russia’s frozen assets and can also be used for military purposes.

We will also increase the pressure on the Russian economy and further weaken Russia’s ability to wage war. We are preparing a 15th sanctions package against Putin’s regime.

In these dark times, it is very difficult to look ahead. But let me talk about the future, about the future we are building together. You are part of the European family. We look forward to welcome you as a member of our Union. Your progress so far has been impressive. Ukrainians are writing a new playbook on how to undertake deep reforms while fighting a war for national survival.

Together, the European Union and Ukraine will work to open at least two clusters of your accession negotiations during the first semester of next year.

Already, gradual integration is starting in different policy areas, such as roaming, and a number of products across of next year could be trade as if Ukraine is already in the Single Market .

To conclude, I want to repeat: we stand with you as long as necessary and whatever it takes. We stand firmly on the side of your right to self-defence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. And we will do our utmost to see you in the European Union as a free European nation as soon as possible. I am looking forward to seeing you in Brussels at the next European Council in two weeks.

Source – European Council

 


Negotiations on EU Accession, Strengthening Air Defense and Sanctions – Results of the Meeting Between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and António Costa

1 December 2024 – 16:49

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of the European Council António Costa, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, and EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, who visited Ukraine on their first day in office.

The Head of State noted that such a symbolic start of work reflects Europe’s key priorities.

“Peace is the foundation, and we will continue to do everything possible to end this war unleashed by Russia not only against Ukraine but also against the united Europe as soon as possible, to end this war justly and to strengthen our Europe – both the EU institutions and the policies that support every European nation,” said the President.

One of the key topics of the meeting was strengthening air defense. Volodymyr Zelenskyy conveyed specific needs for bolstering Ukraine’s air shield.

The parties also discussed the situation on the frontline, including the implementation of Czech and pan-European initiatives to supply Ukrainian warriors with artillery shells and the development of Ukraine’s defense industry. The President thanked all partners who have invested in projects to produce modern weapons.

“It is important to increase the procurement of weapons from Ukrainian manufacturers, including through revenues from frozen Russian assets. Most of the funds from the second tranche of these revenues from the European contribution – at least €1 billion – will be directed to supporting Ukraine’s defense industry,” the President said.

He noted that specific mechanisms for utilizing revenues from frozen Russian assets should become operational in January.

The meeting also covered strengthening sanctions policy and the approval of the next sanctions package in the near future.

“Certain countries are already taking action – sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet of tankers. This needs to be backed up at the EU level. The tanker fleet provides Putin with the largest share of revenue for waging war,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The President separately expressed gratitude to all partners supporting Ukraine’s efforts to join the European Union and receive an invitation to NATO.

“This December and into next year, we must do as much as possible to advance negotiations with the EU. It is entirely realistic to open the first two negotiation clusters at the beginning of next year and address the rest of the clusters throughout the year. We would very much like to achieve this,” emphasized the President.

António Costa assured that Europe will do everything possible for Ukraine to become an EU member as quickly as possible.

“The progress you have shown is impressive. Ukrainians are writing a new guidebook on how to implement profound reforms while fighting a war for their survival,” he said.

The President of the European Council condemned Russia’s nuclear threats and attacks on energy infrastructure. He noted that the EU would assist in repairing damaged generating facilities and continue providing support.

“This month, the European Union will provide Ukraine with an additional €4.2 billion to support the Ukrainian budget. In addition, starting next month, we will provide €1.5 billion every month for another year. These funds come from frozen Russian assets and can also be used for military purposes,” António Costa said.

He also emphasized that Europe will continue to pressure Russia’s economy to weaken the aggressor state’s ability to wage war. According to the President of the European Council, the EU is preparing its 15th sanctions package.

Source – Ukrainian President

 


The Head of State Discussed Defense Support and Ukraine’s European Integration with Kaja Kallas

1 December 2024

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.

This is her first foreign visit as the EU High Representative.

The Head of State congratulated Kaja Kallas on taking office and emphasized that Ukraine will do everything possible to achieve EU membership.

The primary topic of the meeting was Ukraine’s need to strengthen its air defense to protect the lives of Ukrainians.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Kaja Kallas also discussed Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations and the coordination of efforts to achieve necessary progress in this area.

Source – Ukrainian President

 

Forward to your friends
Cookie Consent with Real Cookie Banner