Joint Press Statement of President Michel and President Zelenskyy

 

Thursday 9 February 2023

● European Council   09/02/2023 16:16 | Statements and remarks | Joint Press Statement of President Michel and President Zelenskyy   President Charles Michel of the European Council and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine met in Brussels on 9 February in the margins of the European Council meeting which President Zelenskyy attended on President Michel's invitation. The Presidents discussed the latest developments in Ukraine, including on the battlefield, and all aspects of the EU's support to Ukraine as it continues to counter Russia's brutal war of aggression which has lasted almost a year. President Michel expressed the EU's firm commitment to stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes and to support the country as it defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. He also stressed the EU's commitment to hold Russia and all those responsible for war crimes, crime of aggression and other most serious crimes accountable. President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the EU's military support to Ukraine, which has amounted to some EUR 12 billion. He detailed Ukraine's continued needs in this field, including long-range artillery and ammunition, air defence systems, missiles, fighter jets and battle tanks. President Michel stressed the EU's commitment to providing military equipment and highlighted the need for deliveries to be as speedy as possible, stressing that it was essential for the EU and for all of Ukraine's partners to step up military support to Ukraine, particularly now that the risks of a renewed Russian offensive were on the rise. In its session with President Zelenskyy on 9 February the European Council will also address the EU's support to strengthening Ukraine's ability to defend its territory and people. The Presidents discussed Ukraine's initiative for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on full respect for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty. President Michel recalled the principles of the UN Charter and reiterated the EU's support for President Zelenskyy's Peace Formula and the EU's commitment to work actively with Ukraine on the 10 point peace plan. The Presidents also discussed the need for EU coordination efforts in order to advance on the work under the peace plan on each of its 10 points. President Michel and President Zelenskyy both stressed the need to work closely with international partners to ensure the widest possible support of the relevant UNGA resolution and international participation in a future Global Peace Formula Summit. Recalling the European Council's decision to recognise Ukraine's European perspective and grant Ukraine the status of candidate country, the Presidents discussed Ukraine's accession path. President Michel commended Ukraine's impressive reform progress, especially in the current conditions of war. He acknowledged the considerable efforts that Ukraine demonstrated in recent months towards meeting the objectives underpinning its candidate status for EU membership. President Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine's determination to meet the necessary conditions in order to start accession negotiations already this year.