Ukrainian leader, European Council Prez meet to discuss cooperation

Kiev, Jan 20 (IANS) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held talks with visiting President of the European Council, Charles Michel, to discuss cooperation between Ukraine and the EU, Zelensky's press service reported.Speaking at a press conference after their talks, Zelensky on Thursday said the scale of the current cooperation between Ukraine and the EU is historical for both sides.The Ukrainian President thanked the EU for the decision to allocate 18 billion euros (about $19.50 billion) for Ukraine this year, and for military, political and humanitarian support.Zelensky informed Michel about the situation on the frontline, calling for more defence supplies for Kiev and new sanctions against Russia, Xinhua news agency reported.The Ukrainian and the EU leaders also talked about the Ukrainian Peace Formula and the preparations for the summit to consider its implementation.Another theme of the discussion was Ukraine's path toward integration with the EU."This year we should start negotiations. This is our goal regarding Ukraine's membership in the EU. There are all the necessary prerequisites for this. We have great motivation, great desire, we are moving forward," Zelensky stressed.For his part, Michel emphasised the importance of the EU's humanitarian, political and military support for Ukraine."Recently, Ukraine has been receiving heavy weapons, air defence. And I think that it is necessary to continue efforts in this direction. Because perhaps the next few weeks will be crucial and decisive," the European Council President said.Michel arrived in Kiev earlier on Thursday.
--IANS int/khz/

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