The President of European Commission Ursula von der Leyen had a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, when she confirmed Brussels' readiness to support Kyiv financially and strengthen cooperation in the energy sector. They also discussed about the security situation around Ukraine.
The President of Ukraine informed the interlocutor about the development of the security situation along the borders of Ukraine and in Donbas. The president thanked the head of the European Commission for the consistent support of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state, as well as her clear position on the need to tighten EU sanctions in the event of an escalation of Russian aggression against Ukraine. The leaders agreed with the need to continue joint coordinated efforts to prevent the escalation of the conflict.
Zelensky and von der Leyen reportedly discussed challenges for European energy security.
I just talked to President Zelensky... We discussed the current security situation. The EU is ready to provide further financial support to Ukraine and to reinforce our energy partnership.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of European Commission (Twitter)
The sides also discussed preparations for holding an international energy business forum in Ukraine, which was agreed upon in November.
The Ukrainian president drew attention to the threats to Ukraine and all of Europe that the possible launch of Nord Stream 2 would create. The interlocutors coordinated steps aimed at integrating the unified energy system of Ukraine into the European ENTSO-E network.
Zelensky thanked von der Leyen for the financial support to Ukraine from the European Union and discussed areas for further cooperation.
In addition, the sides paid special attention to the prospects for the liberalization of road freight transport. Zelensky said the conclusion of an agreement on the liberalization of transportation services will help ensure further growth in trade between Ukraine and the EU.
