Ukraine
Air alert at the start of the EU-Ukraine summit in Kyiv
At the EU-Ukraine summit, Volodymyr Zelenskyj and Ursula von der Leyen will talk, among other things, about Ukraine’s admission to the EU. photo
© Uncredited/Ukrainian Presidential Press Office/AP/dpa
Ukraine would like to start EU accession negotiations before the end of this year – that’s also what the EU-Ukraine summit is about. The start is overshadowed by howling sirens.
The start of the EU-Ukraine summit in Kyiv on Friday was overshadowed by a nationwide air alert. According to information from the capital, it was triggered because of the use of Russian warplanes in the airspace over Belarus. From there, rockets are regularly fired in the direction of Ukraine.
It was initially unclear whether the air alert had an impact on the summit. For security reasons, no information was given on the exact procedure. It was only announced that there should be a working session and a press conference, among other things.
Ukraine hopes for early accession negotiations
In addition to EU support for Ukraine, the main topic at the summit will be the country’s desire for early admission to the European Union. Ukraine hopes to start negotiations later this year. However, the 27 EU states are calling for the implementation of promised reforms beforehand.
After EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, EU Council President Charles Michel also arrived in Kyiv on Friday morning for the meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Upon his arrival, the Belgian promised Ukraine further support in the war against Russia. “Our determination will not weaken,” he said. Ukraine will also be supported in every step it takes towards joining the EU.
Tweet by Charles Michel