Zelenskyy, Michel discuss EU support for Ukraine

ISTANBUL

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke to European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday to discuss EU's support for Ukraine and steps towards the start of accession talks.

"Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Charles Michel for yesterday's approval by the Council of the EU of the decision to establish a special €5 billion Ukraine Assistance Fund within the European Peace Facility (EPF)," a statement by the Ukrainian presidential office said.

The two discussed opportunities to increase the supply of artillery ammunition for Ukraine, the press release said, adding: "Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that the continuation of the trade liberalization regime with the EU is a critical factor in supporting the Ukrainian economy during the war.

Michel in a post on X said he spoke to Zelenskky ahead of the two-day crucial European Council summit on Thursday, "where our support to Ukraine will be at the heart of our discussions."

"In this critical moment on the battlefield, we must speed up our military assistance to the brave Ukrainian people," he said. "We’re at their side and will always be. Impressed by Ukraine’s commitment to reform, despite Russia’s war of aggression."

Zelenskyy said the conversation "focused on further steps toward the actual start of Ukraine's EU accession negotiations, as well as further comprehensive EU support for Ukraine."

European leaders granted Ukraine EU candidate status in June 2022, and agreed to open accession talks in December 2023.