Defense support, energy, the use of frozen assets of the Russian Federation and accession to the EU: Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Ursula von der Lyen

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv has negotiated with the President of the European Commission Ursula von Der Lyen. “Today's negotiations were as meaningful as possible. The priorities are obvious - the defense of Ukraine. Our positions, our warriors, is quite fair pressure on Russia for the war. Supporting our stability - Ukraine and all of Europe.

A particularly relevant issue now, before winter, is energy, protection and restoration of objects of our infrastructure, ”the Head of State said during a joint press conference with the President of the European Commission. Volodymyr Zelensky and Ursula von Der Lyen discussed the support of Ukrainian energy in detail: needs, resources needed and strengthening the protection of critical objects.

  Separately, the President noted the announcement of additional EU support on the eve of the EU to prepare for the winter of about 160 million euros, of which 100 million from the income of frozen Russian assets.   The head of state stressed that the necessary use of frozen Russian assets to protect Ukraine from aggression of the Russian Federation, a clear mechanism of allocation of those $ 50 billion.

The United States, for which there is a consent and general decision at the political level, as well as strengthening sanctions against the aggressor state.   Volodymyr Zelensky also noted joint work for the full implementation of the formula of peace. According to him, it is necessary to strengthen Ukraine as much as possible to hold a second summit of peace this year. Particular attention was paid to Ukraine's accession to the EU.

  "Our teams will work to accelerate the process of such important negotiations for us," the President added.   Ursula von Der Lyen noted that the European Commission has developed a plan for supporting Ukrainian energy in the winter. It provides for the restoration of 2. 5 GW of energy power, as well as the continuation of Ukraine's accession to the European Energy Network. In addition, the EU plans to export 2 GW of electricity to Ukraine and to provide stable energy in all regions.

This will cover more than 25% of the energy needs in winter. “Now we send mobile gas turbines, solar panels. We also discussed issues concerning the protection of power plants, ”the European Commission President said.   According to her, the European Commission also approved proposals that will allow the EU to allocate a loan of up to 35 billion euros from a package of assistance, which was agreed by the Seven Group.