The symbol is strong.
While Russia is regaining ground in the East, Ukraine, in the midst of war, is hosting a summit this Friday with European representatives.
Kyiv thus shows that the country wants to join the EU fiercely, and the EU that it invariably supports Ukraine.
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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in the Ukrainian capital on Thursday, accompanied by the head of European diplomacy Josep Borrell and around fifteen European commissioners.
“Good to be back in Kyiv, my fourth time since the Russian invasion and this time with my team of stewards,” she tweeted.
"We are here together to show that the EU stands firmly with Ukraine."
The President of the European Council Charles Michel is also expected, for discussions which will address the steps for Ukraine's accession to the EU.
An arduous process launched last June, which kyiv intends to accelerate.
“The future of the EU is being written now, in Ukraine,” Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on Twitter.
It is a battle for freedom, sovereignty and democracy.
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The future of the EU is being written, right now, in Ukraine.
This is a fight for freedom, sovereignty and democracy.
🇪🇺 🇺🇦@vonderleyen pic.twitter.com/L6UNdkdFg4
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 2, 2023
“Russia wants revenge on free Europe”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky felt that his country deserved to start talks “this year”.
"Every step towards greater integration of Ukraine into the EU is a source of inspiration for our people", he pleaded.
The EU is working on new sanctions against Russia for February 24, the first anniversary of the invasion.
Ursula von der Leyen did not give details of her intentions for this tenth package, but one thing is certain, she said, the country will have to "pay for the destruction it has caused".
During a press conference with the President of the European Commission, Volodymyr Zelensky predicted a new major attack by the enemy.
“Russia is concentrating its forces, we all know that.
She wants revenge not only on Ukraine but also on free Europe.
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