Charles Michel, in Kyiv: It is necessary to freeze the assets of all persons interested in Russian aggression in Ukraine
European Council President Charles Michel met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kiev to discuss EU support for Ukraine in the fight against Russian invasion, as well as reforms needed for Ukraine to join the EU after the end of the conflict.
During the meeting with Charles Michel, Volodymyr Zelenskiy asked Ukraine's allies to supply more weapons as soon as possible, saying that this would help guarantee the security of Ukraine and Europe.
According to him, in addition to defence-related issues, during the meeting the parties discussed the further strengthening of sanctions pressure on the Russian Federation, the steps to implement the Ukrainian peace formula, in which the European Union can become one of the strong leaders and help to expanding the circle of partners, as well as bilateral interaction with the EU and the European integration process of Ukraine.
"The time has come for sanctions against the Russian nuclear industry, against all branches, organisations, and all entities that work for the Russian missile program. Also, new steps in the energy sector, including the embargo on Russian energy carriers," the Ukrainian president emphasised.
The parties discussed the main expectations for the current year, in particular the strengthening of energy security on the continent, given the Russian terror against Ukrainian energy facilities.
For his part, Charles Michel noted that since the beginning of the large-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the European Union immediately chose the path of mobilising maximum support for the Ukrainian state.
"Recently, Ukraine received heavy weapons, air defence. And I think it is necessary to continue in this direction. Because maybe the next few weeks will be defining and decisive," he said.
In addition, the EU is constantly mobilising its financial resources to support Ukraine. Charles Michel recalled the decision of the European Union to allocate macro-financial assistance in 2023 in the total amount of 18 billion euros. Charles Michel emphasised the importance of humanitarian aid, support for forced migrants, as well as political support for Ukraine.
In his opinion, another important aspect of supporting Ukraine is the restoration of justice. For this, it is necessary to act at the level of all international organisations, to collect evidence, to mobilise all legal institutions to restore justice and freeze the assets of all persons interested in Russian aggression against Ukraine.
"I hope this asset freeze will help rebuild Ukraine after the war. The European Council is also working in this direction", emphasised Charles Michel.
