Zelenskyy arrived at the European Union summit in Brussels: First statements

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at a special European Union summit held in Brussels.

This was reported by TSN.ua.

Before the summit began, Zelenskyy, Costa, and von der Leyen spoke to journalists in Brussels. Zelenskyy thanked the EU leaders for the strong support that Ukraine has felt since the beginning of the Russian invasion, especially for the support demonstrated last week. 

"Of course, on behalf of all Ukrainians, on behalf of our entire people, we are very grateful. We are very grateful that we are not alone. And these are not just words – we feel it. It is very important that you have sent a strong signal to the Ukrainian people: to Ukrainian soldiers, civilians, and all our families. And it’s wonderful that we are not alone. We feel this and know it," Zelenskyy said.

He also expressed gratitude for the signals regarding the increase in our production and the new program to enhance European security.

"I believe these are excellent decisions," he added.

European Council President António Costa welcomed Zelenskyy to Brussels.

"This is a very important moment to develop European security. A few months ago, we had a very important "brainstorming" session, but now we are here to make decisions and implement them. I would like to thank the European Commission for sending concrete proposals so quickly, which allow us to make specific decisions regarding the ability to direct funds for developing our own security capabilities. Of course, the security and defense of Europe are inseparable from the security and defense of Ukraine," Costa emphasized.

According to him, strengthening European defense is strengthening Ukraine's defense, and strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities is very important for strengthening Europe’s defense.

Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told reporters that in extraordinary times, we need special measures, such as this special EU summit. She thanked Zelenskyy for coming to participate in the summit, "because it is important for us to be together."

"This is a turning point for Europe and Ukraine as part of our European family. It is also a turning point for Ukraine. Europe is facing a clear danger, and therefore Europe must be able to protect itself. So, we must give Ukraine the ability to defend itself and achieve a lasting and just peace," she said.

Ursula von der Leyen noted that the EU wants peace through strength, which is why today they are presenting the leaders with the Rearmed Europe Plan.

"The plan provides up to 800 billion euros in defense investments. This allows member states to invest in Ukraine's defense industry or purchase weapons that will immediately go to Ukraine. So, this benefits both the rearming of the European Union and the armament of Ukraine in its existential struggle for its sovereignty and territorial integrity," the President of the European Commission concluded.

Read also:

• Yermak spoke with Trump's advisor Voltz: What they agreed on

• "NATO is outdated": Zaluzhnyi speaks about the security needed for Ukraine

• Russian strike on Kryvyi Rih: Regional Military Administration reports that there are children among the victims

• Zaluzhnyi tells how to defeat Russia: Details of the statement