Yesterday, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel, and Minister of Defense Yuriko Backes.
The Head of State expressed his gratitude for the military, financial, energy, and humanitarian support provided to Ukraine, as well as for offering shelter to over 4,500 Ukrainians who were forced to flee their homes due to the full-scale Russian invasion.
“We are deeply grateful to you personally, to your country, and to your people for all the support on a personal level, on the level of people. We are truly grateful for this,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The President also expressed appreciation for the Luxembourg officials’ tribute to the memory of fallen defenders at the Wall of Remembrance during their visit to Ukraine.
The Head of State informed the delegation about the needs of Ukrainian warriors and the diplomatic efforts made to achieve a just and lasting peace. Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that our state is ready for a full and unconditional ceasefire, which should be the first step toward peace.
The parties also discussed Luxembourg’s participation in the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
Among other important topics were Luxembourg’s assistance in the reconstruction of the Kryvyi Rih district and the city of Kryvyi Rih, as well as Ukraine’s accession to the European Union.
Xavier Bettel reaffirmed Luxembourg’s continued support for Ukraine and commended the bravery of Ukrainians in resisting the Russian aggressor.
“I know that we are not the biggest country, not the largest in size, but believe me, in friendship, in respect, we are much greater than the size of our country. The people of Luxembourg also stand with you. It is important for us to be here to demonstrate our support,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.
Yuriko Backes emphasized the importance of continuing cooperation between Ukraine and Luxembourg and of making every effort to achieve peace. The Minister of Defense also announced an increase in the amount of support this year.
“Together with Xavier, we will continue to support you, just as we have from day one, until the very end, until peace is achieved for your country. We also need to increase our own defense investments,” Yuriko Backes noted.
