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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
World
Max Channon

Ukraine is fighting Russia for us all, say Presidents Zelensky and von der Leyen

Ukraine is fighting Russia for us all say European leaders including President Zelensky, Ursula von der Leyen, and the EU's High Representative Josep Borrell.

After meeting with Ursula von der Leyen, Mr Zelensky said Ukraine's goal is to be in the EU because "we share common values and fight for them". It came after he thanked the EU for its "political, financial and military support of Ukraine". However, he also called on the EU to continue to impose sanctions on the Russian Federation "until it gives up its aggressive intentions".

Speaking after "meeting and negotiations" with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell in Kyiv, Mr Zelensky said: "The goal is to be in the European Union. The most important thing is that we share the same values. And it is for them that we fight - for freedom, for the rights of our people."

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"I know for sure that we will win and it will all work. And at this distance, right here, near us are the countries of the European Union and the EU leadership. And this financial support is very important today, when the economy is not working yet."

During his meeting with Ursula von der Leyen, Mr Zelensky said: "I want to thank you for a strong sanctions policy. I am grateful to the whole world, to the European Union, to Ursula von der Leyen. I am personally grateful for the fifth package of sanctions.

"Please help us with your sanctions. They must be increased, otherwise Russia does not want to hear anyone or anything."

He also thanked the President of the European Commission for visiting the city of Bucha in the Kyiv region, where Russian troops has been accused of committing war crimes.

President Volodmyr Zelensky and Ursula von der Leyen President of the European Commission (Ukraine President)

"This is a very strong signal that Ukraine and the European Union are together. Together in the struggle for justice, dignity, in the struggle for the value of our lives, the value of human life. This is a confirmation that we will work together," said Mr Zelensky.

Ursula von der Leyen said: "Ukraine belongs in the European family. We have heard this very important statement from all your people. And we give a positive answer to your request. Your journey to the European Union begins. I'm sure it's a close path."

"We want to work with you, to restore Ukraine, and this will positively determine Ukraine's path to the European Union," said Ursula von der Leyen, according the Ukraine President's website. "We will never be able to match the sacrifice made by the Ukrainian people, but we are mobilizing our economic power to make Putin pay a very, very high price."

"We will enable Ukrainian warriors to fight for Ukrainian and European freedom, because you are fighting for all of us," she added.

Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, told Mr Zelensky: "You are fighting for us. And the least we can do is give you weapons. So that you get the weapons you need to resist, to fight and to win."

For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea.

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