On March 19, 2024, negotiations took place between the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal, and Luxembourg's Prime Minister, Xavier Bettel.
The parties discussed Ukraine's Euro-integration aspirations, humanitarian aid from Luxembourg, and military cooperation between the two states.
Denys Shmyhal emphasized that Ukraine is fighting for freedom while also taking steps to join the EU.
"We are maintaining a high pace of Euro-integration. We have fulfilled 11 key recommendations from the European Commission, obtained the EU negotiation framework, and are preparing for the opening of pre-accession negotiations. We have the ambition to complete this path faster than any country that has done so before us. In this context, Luxembourg's support as a co-founding member of the European Union is extremely important to us," said the head of the Ukrainian Government, expressing hope for continued solidarity and maximum support on this path.
Denys Shmyhal thanked Luxembourg for the assistance it has provided since the early days of the full-scale invasion. This includes support for the approval of the Ukraine Facility program and the intention to participate in Ukraine's reconstruction.
"Luxembourg has expressed interest in the reconstruction of the Kryvyi Rih district in Dnipropetrovsk region—a powerful industrial center of our country. This is an extremely positive example, and we hope that the implementation of relevant projects will start soon," emphasized the Prime Minister.
Denys Shmyhal stressed the importance of cooperation between countries in the military sphere.
"Luxembourg's co-chairmanship in the IT Coalition, active participation in drone coalitions, demining, and artillery, as well as joining the F-16 coalition, provide opportunities for deepening cooperation. This will strengthen Ukraine's defense capability and bring us closer to victory over the enemy," Denys Shmyhal emphasized.
The meeting also touched on the issue of sanctions against Russia.
"Our common task is to cut off all avenues of financing for Russia's aggressive war," noted Denys Shmyhal.
Another topic of discussion was the confiscation of frozen Russian assets.
"According to preliminary data, over 6 billion euros of Russian resources are stored in Luxembourg. Our principled position is that these funds should start working for Ukraine now," emphasized the Prime Minister of Ukraine.
The head of the Ukrainian Government thanked Luxembourg for supporting President Volodymyr Zelensky's Peace Formula and willingness to participate in implementing the point regarding holding Russia accountable for its crimes.
"Preparations are currently underway for the Global Peace Summit, which will take place in Switzerland. We expect the participation of over 100 states. I am confident that Luxembourg will make a significant contribution to the work of this large-scale forum, which will bring us closer to a just peace and global security," concluded Denys Shmyhal.
