She also met with Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, the faction and group leaders of the Verkhovna Rada and opened the new European Parliament’s liaison office in Kyiv.
This marks the President’s fourth visit to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s illegal war of aggression.
Meeting with President Zelenskyy
Presidents Metsola and Zelenskyy discussed advancing on Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations, the European Parliament’s continued steadfast support, more targeted sanctions against Russia and the use of profits from Russian frozen assets for Ukraine’s defence, recovery and reconstruction.
After their meeting, Presidents Zelenskyy and Metsola addressed the press. President Metsola said:
“Europe will not back down in its support to Ukraine. We will continue to weaken Russia’s war machine through coordinated and strong sanctions. We will boost our humanitarian, military, and diplomatic support for Ukraine, and we will further intensify our cooperation with international partners and invest in Ukraine’s own production. We are committed to completely move away from Russian oil and gas and look to reliable and secure partners as we also tackle Russia’s shadow fleet. This is how we move closer to peace.”
You can watch a recording of the joint statement to the press.
Meeting with Chairman Stefanchuk and Rada address
In the morning, President Metsola met with Ruslan Stefanchuk, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, before addressing the plenary session in Kyiv. After their meeting, President Metsola and Chairman Stefanchuk addressed members of the press.
President Metsola said:
“We discussed about strengthening the ties between our two Parliaments. Ours is a partnership built on mutual trust, respect and very practical cooperation. We will continue to build bridges between Ukraine and Europe, including through our new European Parliament office.”
You can watch the statement to the press ahead of the address to the Rada.
Address to the Rada
In her address, President Metsola said:
On EU standing with Ukraine:
“The European Union has already mobilised 169 billion euros, including 63 billion euros in military support. We are moving forward on frozen Russian assets. We are increasing investment in Ukraine’s defence industry, expanding procurement from Ukrainian manufacturers, and moving forward with new joint initiatives like the Drone Alliance.”
On peace:
“Our position is clear: peace must be permanent; it must be based on justice, and it must be based on dignity. A peace that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence.”
On security guarantees and EU membership:
“We continue to push for security guarantees, and we are working with our partners to make them real. We are ready, determined and able. Joining the European Union is a security guarantee in itself, and we are moving forward together on that path. Europe must match the progress that Ukraine has already made”.
You can read the full speech and watch a recording of the address to the Rada.
Programme in Kyiv
In Kyiv, President Metsola also met with Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska. Together, they visited Bilhorod Academic Lyceum, which was hit by Russian missile strikes that claimed the lives of three staff members. It is currently being rebuilt with the help of EU funds.
President Metsola also visited the EU Delegation to Ukraine, which also hosts the newly opened EP office and one of several buildings impacted by yet another Russian air strike and met with EU staff working there.
