The EU and the United States: Zelensky names top priorities for international work

President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that he had held several meetings on international work. In particular, the head of state discussed the next steps towards Ukraine's membership in the EU, and spoke with American partners about cooperation between Kyiv and Washington and pressure on Russia.

He said this in his address to Ukrainians and the world at the end of the 749th day of the war. The President noted that Ukraine is waiting for the decision of European leaders to approve the negotiation framework that was approved by the European Commission the day before.

"It will be important for both Ukraine and the entire European community - an important and strong signal - to do everything possible to start negotiations during the Belgian presidency in the first half of this year. This should be our common pace, both for Ukraine and the EU. We have a clear order of steps and I am sure we can achieve results," he emphasized.

Zelenskyy also said that the meeting on the American direction of our policy was "more strategic."

"It was about how to give more right impulses to our work with partners and joint pressure on the Russian state throughout this year. To win here, in Ukraine, in this confrontation with Russian terror is a matter of survival for democratic systems, it is a matter of what democracies are capable of," the Head of State noted.

He emphasized that Ukraine is capable of defending itself with sufficient support.

"And by protecting ourselves, we will be able to ensure that no other international criminal will be tempted by aggression like Putin. We can protect lives and we have to do it," the President summarized.

On March 12, the European Commission approved a negotiation framework for Ukraine's accession to the European Union. The proposal is now to be considered by the EU Council.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that this step is evidence of Ukraine's achievements, our transformation and the fact that Ukraine will definitely be a member of the EU.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olga Stefanishyna said that our country has carried out the necessary reforms required for the next steps in the EU accession process. Laws related to the rule of law, counteracting the influence of oligarchs and fighting corruption were adopted.

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