Von der Leyen and Zelenskyy discuss EU support for Ukraine

On 27 May, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed over the phone Ukraine’s and the EU’s efforts in fighting the coronavirus and its social and economic consequences, ongoing reform efforts in Ukraine, and joint work to tackle continued destabilising actions by Russia.

Both Presidents agreed on the need to step up efforts to provide the necessary vaccines to Ukraine, discussed the prospects of establishing the EU vaccine sharing mechanism and appreciated the role of COVAX, to which the EU significantly contributes. They agreed to continue working together in order to ensure a mutual recognition of digital certificates to resume non-essential travel for Ukrainian and EU citizens.

They also exchanged views on the situation in the east of Ukraine and reaffirmed the commitment to the full implementation of the Minsk Agreements and to the Normandy Format, as well as the EU’s strong support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.  The leaders agreed on cooperation in the framework of the Crimean Platform, which will be launched later this year.

President von der Leyen and President Zelenskyy recalled the joint commitment to strengthening the political association and economic integration of Ukraine with the EU. They noted the progress in the implementation of the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement and looked forward to starting the consultations on the review of trade liberalisation for goods under the DCFTA, and the review of the achievements of the objectives of the Association Agreement.

Both Presidents also confirmed their readiness to finalise technical procedures for the signature of the Common Aviation Area Agreement as soon as possible.

Find out more

Press release