Von der Leyen and Zelensky Discuss Security Guarantees, EU Membership, and Sanctions on Russia

European Support for Ukraine

• 🇪🇺 Europe has been and will continue to be at Ukraine's side throughout Russia's invasion, supporting a just and lasting peace achieved through strength.
• 🛡️ The EU is committed to providing strong security guarantees to protect Ukraine and Europe's vital interests, ensuring Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• 🚀 Ukraine is encouraged to become a "steel porcupine", undigestible for potential invaders, with the EU ready to contribute to security guarantees.

EU Membership and Territorial Integrity

• 🇪🇺 Ukraine's path to EU membership is considered a security guarantee in itself, with accession negotiations progressing.
• 🌍 The EU maintains a clear position that international borders cannot be changed by force, and any territorial decisions are solely Ukraine's to make.
• 🤝 The EU emphasizes that decisions regarding Ukraine cannot be made without Ukraine's participation.

Economic Pressure on Russia

• ⚖️ As long as the conflict continues, Europe will maintain diplomatic and economic pressure on Russia, strengthening sanctions.
• 📈 The EU has adopted 18 packages of sanctions and is preparing the 19th, aiming to put pressure on Russia's war economy.
• 💰 Russia's immobilized assets are being used for Ukraine's benefit, and the goal is to bring President Putin to the negotiation table.

Security Guarantees and Negotiations

• 🤝 Both leaders stressed the importance of stopping the killing as the primary objective, whether termed a ceasefire or a peace deal.
• 🇺🇦🇺🇸🇷🇺 A trilateral meeting between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia is deemed crucial for progressing towards peace negotiations.
• 💥 Ukraine's constitution prevents the surrender or trade of territory, making territorial issues a key point for discussion.
• 🛡️ The discussion includes the need for practical security guarantees, akin to Article 5 of NATO, with potential roles for the US, Europe, and the EU.

Support for Ukrainian Children

• 🍎 A program to provide school meals for Ukrainian children is highlighted as important for ensuring their security and well-being during wartime.
• 🙏 President Zelensky requested Ursula von der Leyen's help to improve this program, emphasizing the importance of children as the future.