Michel tells Zelenskyy EU will offer ‘maximum support’

The EU will offer Ukraine “maximum support”, European Council President Charles Michel said yesterday following his meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy via video conference in Odesa, Ukraine, at the end of a visit to mark Europe Day, 9 May.

“I want to confirm that we will offer the maximum support to you, to your team, and to all the people in Ukraine. On military equipment, you need it and we will provide as much as we can.  On financial support, a few days ago, we had a pledging conference in Warsaw. This was the first important step in building this Marshall Plan to support your initiatives,” said Michel, adding the EU would coordinate with partners across the world to mobilise financial support, money and expertise for Ukraine. 

Addressing Ukraine’s EU application, President Michel said: “You have decided to choose the free world. This is the free choice of the people of Ukraine. It is reflected in the decision you have taken, with the government, to apply to become a member of the EU.  In the coming weeks, in June, the Commission will publish their opinion on that.  And we will be ready to meet at the level of the European Council.”

The European Council President said Ukraine was fighting not only for its homeland, but  “for our common European principles, values and democratic rights”.

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Photo: President Michel taking shelter in a bunker with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during a missile attack on the city