European Council president travels to Kyiv for Euromaidan anniversary - Politico

The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, is reportedly planning to visit Kyiv early next week. He is expected to take part in the events marking the anniversary of the beginning of the Revolution of Dignity, which is celebrated annually on November 21.

The visit of the European Council President will take place on the eve of the summit of this organization scheduled for mid-December: European leaders will discuss the recommendations of the European Commission to start official negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the European Union. The details are cited by two sources close to the President of the European Council, according to Politico.

Two informed sources confirmed Charles Michel's intention to visit Kyiv early next week as part of a working visit. The European Council has not yet officially announced such a trip.

"Michel will visit Ukraine to commemorate the Maidan protests that began on November 21, 2013. The protests began after former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych's decision to abandon the political and economic association agreement with the EU. Russia called the uprising a Western-inspired "coup" and used it to justify its military actions in Ukraine in 2014," writes Rolitico.

Responding to a request from journalists, Michel's representative said he could not confirm the visit to Ukraine. At the same time, he noted that the President of the European Council will visit Germany early next week.

The publication also reminded that Michel's likely visit to Ukraine precedes the European Council summit scheduled for mid-December this year. At the summit, EU leaders will discuss the European Commission's recommendations to start official negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the European Union.

The journalists also emphasized that shortly before the announcement of the European Commission's recommendations, its President Ursula von der Leyen also visited Kyiv. During a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, she assured him of the EU's continued support for Ukraine, which is defending itself against Russian aggression and has set a clear course for European integration.

Earlier, it was reported that the EU had agreed on the 12th package of sanctions against Russia. The list of restrictions includes new import and export bans, as well as measures to improve the mechanism for limiting the price of Russian oil and measures to combat sanctions evasion. In addition, personal sanctions are envisaged against more than 120 individuals and legal entities for their role in undermining Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, including members of the Russian military, defense, and IT sectors.

The proposal was submitted to the EU Council. It is this body that will have to make the final decision on the introduction of the 12th package of sanctions against Russia.

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