Low-expectation summit in Kyiv: EU will promise Ukraine support, but not fast-track membership

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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel are in the Ukrainian capital for talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky

A summit of low expectations takes place in Kyiv on Friday, as the EU will promise Ukraine support, but not fast-track membership of the bloc.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel are in the Ukrainian capital for talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky.

“Back to Kyiv on the EU-Ukraine Summit with Zelensky, Von der Leyen and Josep Borrell. Our determination will not waver. We will also support you every step of the way on your journey to the EU,” says the president of the European Council.

Zelensky is asking the European Union for more punitive measures against Russia, but new sanctions being prepared by the EU for the anniversary are expected to fall short of his government’s demands, while the EU is not expected to offer Kyiv the option to join quickly in the Union while at war, notes the Reuters agency.

“The EU will support Ukraine and the Ukrainian people against Russia’s ongoing war of aggression as long as necessary,” the three leaders are set to stress in their joint statement, a draft of which was seen by Reuters.

According to the same source, EU leaders will promise Ukraine more economic, military and political aid. The talks are expected to focus on improving access to the EU market for Ukrainian products, helping Ukraine meet its energy needs after weeks of Russian strikes, new sanctions on Moscow and the prosecution of Russian leaders over the war. .

RES-EMP

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