Zelensky, European Council President discuss pandemic, sanctions against Russia

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky discussed during a phone conversation with President of the European Council Charles Michel the situation in Ukraine and the EU in connection with the coronavirus pandemic and confirmed the need to maintain sanctions against the Russian Federation.
“The conversation focused on the situation in Ukraine and the EU given the coronavirus pandemic. The Head of State expressed support for the steps taken by the EU institutions to combat the spread of the pandemic in Europe and overcome the negative economic consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak,” the press service of the Head of State reports.

Zelensky stressed that Ukraine expressed its sincere support to you and the members of the European Union at this difficult time.

“We share the pain of thousands of Europeans who lost their loved ones, and we wish a speedy recovery for those who are struggling with the disease,” the President of Ukraine said.

He underscored the importance of coordinated efforts to overcome the pandemic, resolve the humanitarian issues facing Ukrainian and EU citizens, and preserve the unimpeded movement of goods across the borders.

“I fully support your position on maintaining green corridors for goods. We must do everything possible to support our economies,” Volodymyr Zelensky said.

The Head of State thanked the European Union for its support of Ukraine and stressed its importance for maintaining macroeconomic stability and promoting further reforms in our country.

The Head of State informed Charles Michel of the security situation in Donbas and the state of implementation of the agreements reached during the Paris summit in the Normandy format. The President of the European Council reiterated his continued support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

“The parties agreed on the inadmissibility of artificially using the coronavirus pandemic for political purposes, and reaffirmed the need to preserve sanctions against the Russian Federation until full restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity within the internationally recognized borders,” the statement reads.

The parties exchanged views on further steps in the context of the completion of the Fourth EU Macrofinancial Assistance Program to Ukraine and the prospects of continued cooperation with the European Union in view of the pandemic crisis.

The President of the European Council commended the recent adoption by the Ukrainian Parliament of the laws on the circulation of agricultural land and regulation of banking activities.

“Our parliament, despite the coronavirus pandemic and the illness of several MPs, still worked till late at night to pass the necessary laws, including the land reform. Nothing changes, we continue our course,” Zelensky said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Charles Michel also discussed top-level political dialogue to be held by the end of this year, including preparations for the next EU-Ukraine Summit and the Sixth Eastern Partnership Summit.