European leaders meet in Kiev. First EU - Ukraine summit since the outbreak of war kicks off
The first EU-Ukraine summit since Russia's invasion begins in Kiev today, 3 February, with the president of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, among others. Ukraine has announced, through Prime Minister Denis Shmigal, that it has set an "ambitious goal" of joining the EU in two years. President Volodimir Zelenski also said on Thursday that Ukraine "deserves to start EU accession talks this year".
Arriving in Kiev as early as 2 February, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on her official Twitter account: "Glad to be back in Kiev, my fourth visit since the Russian invasion. This time with my team of Commissioners. We are all here to show that the EU supports Ukraine as strongly as ever and to further strengthen our support and cooperation," Digi24 notes.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell also tweeted on arrival in Kiev: "Europe has maintained its unity on Ukraine from day one. And will continue to stand with you to win and rebuild".
Ahead of the meeting, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmigal said Ukraine had set what he called an "ambitious goal" of joining the EU in two years. For his part, Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski says Ukraine "deserves to start talks on EU membership this year".
Topics discussed at the summit include Ukraine's European course - EU solidarity with Ukraine, the EU's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the European peace instrument, food security and affordability of food, according to consilium.europa.eu.
Ukraine has submitted the application for EU membership on 28 February 2022. On 23 June the same year, Ukraine, together with the Republic of Moldova, was granted candidate country status.
