Working Visit of the President of Ukraine to the Kingdom of Belgium
President of Ukraine and Prime Minister of Belgium Discussed Continued Support for Ukraine
In Brussels, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of Belgium Bart De Wever.
The Head of State expressed gratitude for the support of Belgium and Belgian people, particularly for the decision to provide F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine and for the training of Ukrainian pilots and technical personnel.
During the meeting, the parties discussed support for achieving a just and lasting peace for Ukraine and the provision of robust security guarantees. Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed the Prime Minister about the preparation of a European plan to bring peace closer and invited him to participate in its development.
A special focus of the talks was defense assistance to Ukraine. In particular, the discussion covered the supply of artillery systems and ammunition, as well as investment in the domestic production of long-range drones and missiles.
Additionally, the leaders discussed support for Ukraine on its path toward EU and NATO membership.
The President invited the Prime Minister of Belgium to visit Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Presidents of the European Commission and the European Council Discussed Strengthening the Defense Capabilities of Ukraine and All of Europe
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council António Costa in Brussels.
The Head of State thanked António Costa for the invitation to the special European Council meeting and highlighted the leadership of the heads of EU institutions in discussions on enhancing Europe's defense capabilities and strengthening Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also expressed his gratitude for the support from European leaders in the pursuit of a just and sustainable peace.
“You have sent a strong message to the Ukrainian people, to Ukrainian warriors, civilians, and all our families. It is very important that we are not alone. We feel it and we know it,” he emphasized.
The President of the European Council stressed the importance of strengthening Ukraine's and Europe's defense capabilities.
“Europe's security and defense are inseparable from Ukraine's security and defense. A more robust European defense enhances Ukraine's defense, while a stronger defense capability in Ukraine is also crucial for strengthening our own defense,” António Costa emphasized.
The President of the European Commission stressed that she would present a plan for the rearmament of Europe at the European Council meeting, which provides for up to EUR 800 billion in defense sector investments.
“It gives member states financial space for defense investments. It enables them to invest in Ukraine's defense industry or purchase military assets that will be immediately transferred to Ukraine. In this way, it aims to benefit the rearmament of Europe, the rearmament of the European Union, and the arming of Ukraine in its existential struggle for its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Ursula von der Leyen noted.
During the meeting, the participants discussed current needs of the Defense Forces, particularly the strengthening of air defense, the timely delivery of all types of weapons and ammunition, as well as enhancing the production capabilities of Ukraine's defense industry.
A separate discussion was held on Ukraine's EU accession negotiations. Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope that the Presidents of the European Commission and the European Council would facilitate the opening of the first “Foundations” cluster.
The Head of State also thanked for the 16th EU sanctions package against Russia and called on to start work on the 17th package, which should strengthen counteraction to the circumvention of sanctions and expand restrictions on the ships of Russia’s shadow fleet and their captains.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Emmanuel Macron Coordinated Their Positions and Next Steps
On the sidelines of the European Council meeting in Brussels, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of France Emmanuel Macron.
The Head of State expressed his gratitude for the clear and principled stance in support of Ukraine and the need for new, more substantial steps to protect all of Europe — peoples, institutions and the European way of life.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Emmanuel Macron discussed the meeting to be held in Paris on March 11 at the level of military representatives of states willing to put in greater efforts to ensure reliable security in the context of ending the war.
The Presidents of Ukraine and France also coordinated their positions and next steps. The leaders share a clear vision that real and lasting peace is possible through the cooperation of Ukraine, all of Europe, and the United States.
Preparing Steps to Achieve a Just and Lasting Peace and Supporting Ukraine: President Had a Meeting with the Federal Chancellor of Austria
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Federal Chancellor of Austria Christian Stocker in Brussels and congratulated him on his recent assumption of office.
The Head of State expressed his gratitude for Austria's support for Ukraine, and for its humanitarian and financial assistance. Our state looks forward to joint efforts in achieving a just and lasting peace and reliable security guarantees for Ukraine and all of Europe.
During the meeting, the parties also discussed further assistance in humanitarian demining, restoration of energy infrastructure, construction of shelters in schools and kindergartens, and support for the "Food from Ukraine" initiative.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy invited the Chancellor of Austria to pay a visit to Ukraine.
The President Had an Audience with King Philippe of the Belgians
During his working visit to Belgium, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had an audience with His Majesty King Philippe of the Belgians.
The Head of State expressed his gratitude for Belgium’s support of Ukraine and Ukrainians throughout the three years of full-scale Russian aggression.
The President also commended Belgium’s position on achieving a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine looks forward to Belgium’s involvement in the work on the initial steps toward ending the war.
The President called on His Majesty the King to support efforts to return Ukrainian children illegally deported and displaced by Russia.
The parties had a separate discussion on Ukraine's EU accession negotiations. The President expressed hope that Belgium would support the opening of all clusters this year.
President and NATO Secretary General Discussed Defense Support for Ukraine
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels.
The Head of State thanked NATO member states for their military assistance to Ukraine.
The discussion focused on the steps needed to achieve a just and lasting peace. Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed his interlocutor about coordination with partners and the development of a plan that will include a unified European vision for ending the war, strengthening Ukraine, and concrete security guarantees.
They also discussed defense support for our state, including efforts to enhance air defense and implement the agreements reached at the NATO Summit in Washington.