Zelenskyy voiced Ukraine’s key needs during the EU summit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the leaders of the European Union via video link during the summit held on June 26 in Brussels. In an interview with a correspondent for “European Pravda”, diplomatic sources reported that the Ukrainian leader outlined the main issues of concern to the country and outlined the problems that Ukraine is trying to get solutions for from the EU. This was an important stage in Kyiv’s diplomatic activity and a demonstration of its position at forums that determine European policy towards Ukraine in the context of the war and European integration processes. According to available information, Zelenskyy, having joined the European Council meeting on June 26 via video link, delivered a speech in which he focused on all the main issues concerning Ukraine and its cooperation with the EU. According to diplomatic sources, the Ukrainian president carefully spoke about the security situation, economic challenges and the need for increased support from the European Union. At the same time, he did not participate in the open discussion, and his words were broadcast in the format of a speech, which he voiced via video. After Zelenskyy’s speech, EU leaders intensified the discussion of the Ukrainian issue in a closed format. This indicates a high level of importance and delicacy of the topic for European policy. It is obvious that the discussion concerned not only humanitarian and political aspects, but also future sanctions measures, economic assistance and the issue of Ukraine’s European integration prospects. In particular, the agenda included intentions to agree on the 18th package of anti-Russian sanctions, within the framework of which the countries of the European Union, in particular Hungary and Slovakia, expressed significant difficulties and opposition to their implementation. This significantly complicates the process of further tough pressure on Russia and coordinated actions to support Ukraine in its struggle for sovereignty and security. In general, the results of the EU summit on June 26–27 and the expected decisions on sanctions and the prospects for Ukraine's accession to the union will have a long-term impact on Kyiv's further path to European integration. More details about what news and decisions can be expected at this summit and their impact are described in analytical materials, in particular in the article "The European Union between Orbán and Trump. What news to expect for Ukraine regarding sanctions and EU membership."