"A historic step forward", notes Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyj during his Brussels visit after the start of negotiations with the EU this week.
New security agreements are to guarantee long-term support.
Zelenskyj received many thanks during Thursday's meetings in Brussels – two days after the country formally initiated its negotiations for future EU membership.
We have been waiting for this for a very long time and everyone – the civilians and our heroes on the battlefield – now sees this historic step forward. It is very important for all of us, believe me, said Zelenskyj at a brief press conference with EU Council President Charles Michel.
Subsequently, an additional security agreement was signed with the EU and separately with both Lithuania and Estonia. Similar agreements have already been written with 17 other countries, including the USA, but also many within the EU.
We are sending the message that we intend to support Ukraine for as long as it takes. We are not intimidated by Russia. Ukraine is fighting to defend its own and its children's future, but also our values, said Michel.
Zelenskyj also participated in the opening of the EU leaders' summit and met with NATO's outgoing Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels.
