European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has arrived in Kyiv for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
On Tuesday, Ms Von der Leyen said the EU focused on increasing pressure on Russia, ensuring full implementation of sanctions and closing existing loopholes.
“The focus now is on tight implementation of the sanctions and taking action to avoid circumvention. We are determined to close existing loopholes. No one should doubt that,’’ said the EU leader.
Her trip takes place on a symbolic day, as the European Union celebrates on May 9 the lasting peace between its members that followed the end of World War II in 1945, while Russia marks its victory over Nazi Germany with an annual military parade.
Earlier on Monday, Mr Zelensky announced that Ukraine would start commemorating the date, known as Europe Day.
Ms Von der Leyen noted the significance of the date.
She called her presence on this date “symbolic’’ but also a “sign of a crucial and very practical reality: the EU is working hand in hand with Ukraine on many issues.”
Ukraine was named an official candidate country for EU membership in 2022 and is awaiting an assessment by the commission on whether its reform efforts were sufficient to start formal accession talks.
Ms Von der Leyen did not offer any hints as to when Ukraine might make it into the current 27-member union but did say that “Ukraine is part of our European family.”
She said the talks with Mr Zelensky were also for “preparing the ground for the start of accession negotiations.
The two leaders will discuss issues ranging from arms deliveries to substantial EU financial support for Ukraine to ensure that Russia is held accountable ‘’for its crime of aggression“.
“We are continuing to increase pressure on Russia,” she said.
Brussels has provided military, financial and humanitarian support to Kyiv worth €67 billion ($75 billion), with plans for a new set of economic sanctions on Russia.
According to EU sources, the bloc is planning to restrict its exports further to tackle the circumvention of the existing sanctions on Russia by exporting goods via other countries that do not have punitive trade measures on Moscow in place.
Ms Von der Leyen last visited Kyiv in February with European Council President Charles Michel.
During the visit, they promised Ukraine their support on its way to EU membership but did not set a timeline.
(dpa/NAN)
