Zelenskyy announced negotiations on joining the EU
The Ukrainian president also summed up the international visits, noting that the main achievement was the new defense agreements.
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President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Photo: Associated Press
On Thursday, February 29, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting on relations with the European Union, tasks for this year regarding integration and relations with European neighbors.
He spoke about this during the traditional evening address.
The Ukrainian leader emphasized that all agreements with the European Union must be implemented and work in reality.
"This year should be a time for real negotiations on accession. We can start, take the first negotiating steps as early as this spring," he announced.
According to him, 2024 should also be a time of maximum pragmatism in relations with neighbors.
"Everyone sees that Russia is not going to stop. There, in Moscow, they want both an arms race and new waves of destabilization. All of us in Europe should be clearly aware of this. If the freedom of one of us falls, the freedom of all others will not survive. Such is the reality. We have to defend ourselves. And we can defend ourselves. We must achieve our common goals," the Ukrainian leader emphasized.
About international visits
In addition, President Zelenskyy summarized international visits, noting that the main achievement was the new defense agreements and new aid packages.
"There will be more artillery and more joint production with our partners. We use every meeting and every day to add capabilities to our soldiers. I thank all the partners who help as needed. And timely, without delays," the President said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted the principled support he received in Albania during negotiations with Prime Minister Rama. "Not only in terms of our bilateral relations, but also in how to make a more meaningful dialogue with those states that are currently restrained in their support," he noted.
According to the President, during the second summit in the format of Ukraine - South-Eastern Europe, there were good meetings with representatives of Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia.
"I shouldn't disclose all the details publicly right now, but I can say this: we managed to achieve exactly what we were aiming for. Plus, all the participants of the summit, all the countries of South-Eastern Europe, will participate in the Global Peace Summit - the first summit on the Peace Formula at the leaders' level. It is planned in Switzerland. And we already see opportunities for wide representation of countries worldwide," he emphasized.
Zelenskyy noted that discussions about a just peace, the first summit of leaders on the Peace Formula, and the current opportunities in the world to reduce chaos and destructiveness were held during the meeting in Saudi Arabia with the Crown Prince.
"A very deep, positive conversation. I am grateful for the attention to Ukraine, for the advice. We must ensure the broadest participation of the world's peoples in addressing global issues. This is precisely the issue of restoring the full force of international law and preventing aggression. We also discussed joint economic and technological projects with Saudi Arabia. We value such cooperation. And it is important that our teams implement agreements regarding projects promptly enough. What strengthens us - both our states," the Ukrainian leader emphasized.
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