In Brussels, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a series of important meetings with key European and North Atlantic leaders: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Council President António Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The central theme of the talks was accelerating Ukraine’s integration into European and Euro-Atlantic structures as one of the key elements in ending the war and building long-term security on the continent. The parties reached a common understanding that the future framework document on Ukraine’s European integration should contain clear timelines for its accession to the European Union.
Considerable attention was paid to practical mechanisms for strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities. Issues discussed included the development of joint arms production, the expansion of training programs for Ukrainian military personnel, and an increase in the supply of American weapons under a special program that allows Kyiv to purchase equipment and ammunition on preferential terms.
The Ukrainian side stressed that it is ready to actively participate in any peace initiatives, but only on condition of full respect for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. According to the participants of the meeting, intensive joint work is currently underway to develop reliable security guarantees that will form the basis of a sustainable European security architecture after the end of the war.
At the same time, the leaders noted that real progress in a peaceful settlement is only possible if Moscow has the political will to stop its aggression and move towards constructive negotiations on a just and lasting peace. Until then, Ukraine and its partners will continue to strengthen their defenses and bring closer the day when European integration and NATO membership become irreversible factors of stability in the region.