PRESS RELEASE : Andriy Yermak met with the heads of embassies of the European Union member states and the EU Delegation

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 21 May 2022.

On Europe Day, Head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak met with the heads of diplomatic missions of the European Union member states and the EU Delegation to Ukraine.

Andriy Yermak noted the importance of resuming the work of diplomatic missions and stressed: “This is a powerful signal for Ukrainians, a demonstration of faith in our country and its victory.”

The Head of the President’s Office informed his interlocutors about the situation at the front, where the Ukrainian people are bravely defending their land from the Russian aggressor. Andriy Yermak noted that the Ukrainian state seeks to end this war as soon as possible. But this requires appropriate conditions, including practical defense support from our partners, which will help not only repel the aggressor’s pressure, but also to liberate the temporarily occupied territories.

“Ukraine aims to return its territories,” he said.

The Head of the Office of the President paid special attention to the need to strengthen the coordinated sanctions pressure of the international community on Russia, in particular, the approval of the sixth package of sanctions and the start of work on the seventh package. “Russia must feel the impact of sanctions as soon as possible,” said Andriy Yermak.

He also emphasized the continuation of work on the creation of an international legal mechanism to compensate Ukraine for the damage caused by Russia as a result of the war. He also spoke about the coordination of work on the investigation of crimes against children committed by the aggressor country and the facts of illegal forced deportation of young Ukrainians.

“All citizens forcibly deported to Russia, including children, must return home,” the Head of the President’s Office said.

Andriy Yermak informed European diplomats about the work already underway on a comprehensive plan for Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction and welcomed signals of the readiness of a number of EU member states, as well as the EU itself, to join its implementation.

During the meeting, the parties also exchanged views on the most pressing issues, including key practical areas of assistance to our country, new challenges posed by Russian aggression, as well as prospects for the security situation in the region.