Brussels: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held important discussions with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte during his visit to Brussels on Thursday. The talks were centered on Ukraine’s EU accession process, security cooperation, and the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s ongoing needs amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Discussions with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
Zelenskyy and von der Leyen focused on Ukraine’s path to EU membership, aligning priorities of the newly formed European Commission, and exploring the use of frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine. The Ukrainian president expressed gratitude for the EU’s new EUR 18.1 billion macro-financial assistance package, with the first tranche expected in January 2025.
Zelenskyy highlighted the importance of the EU’s unity in supporting Ukraine’s efforts for peace and sovereignty.
Today, during the meeting with the President of the European Commission, @vonderleyen, we discussed the priorities of the newly formed European Commission and Ukraine’s accession to the EU. We also addressed the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s needs.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 19, 2024
I am… pic.twitter.com/NsRaH2eYWz
“I am grateful for the new EU macro-financial assistance of EUR 18.1 billion as part of the G7 loan, with the first tranche expected in January 2025,” Zelenskyy wrote on X (formerly Twitter). He also acknowledged von der Leyen’s efforts to consolidate support within the EU.
Сьогодні під час зустрічі з Президенткою Європейської комісії Урсулою фон дер Ляєн обговорили пріоритети в роботі нового складу Європейської комісії та вступ України до ЄС. Окремо поспілкувалися щодо використання заморожених російських активів на потреби України.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 19, 2024
Дякую за нову… pic.twitter.com/v5h65PxNR3
Von der Leyen, in turn, reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to Ukraine’s freedom and economic stability. She highlighted that 2025 would be a “crucial” year for Ukraine and its partners, promising over EUR 30 billion in EU support next year.
“We will stand by Ukraine’s right to fight for its freedom and choose its own destiny,” she said, pledging continued support for Ukraine’s economic stability.
Strengthening Security: Meeting with NATO Chief Mark Rutte
Earlier in the day, Zelenskyy also met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to discuss strengthening Ukraine’s air defense capabilities. The Ukrainian president emphasized the importance of security guarantees and NATO’s role in bolstering Ukraine’s defenses.
Brussels. An important and very substantive meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Our talks focused on strengthening air defense for Ukraine and ensuring the reliability of the peace we are collectively working to achieve.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 18, 2024
We thank Mark, NATO Secretary General, and all… pic.twitter.com/F4kroZ2ldO
“An important and very substantive meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Our talks focused on strengthening air defense for Ukraine and ensuring the reliability of the peace we are collectively working to achieve,” Zelenskyy shared on X.
He expressed gratitude for NATO’s efforts to enhance Ukraine’s air shield and ensure the country’s security as it continues to resist Russian aggression. Zelenskyy also thanked Rutte and NATO for their ongoing support, which he said is vital as Ukraine prepares for a shift toward more active diplomacy.
A Defining Moment for Ukraine’s Future
Zelenskyy’s visit comes as Ukraine continues to face significant challenges due to Russia’s invasion. The discussions with European leaders signal a crucial step in solidifying Ukraine’s relationships with both the EU and NATO, ensuring continued financial support and military assistance. The continued focus on security and defense systems is expected to play a major role as Ukraine navigates its path toward peace and stability.