State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Mr. Andriy Zayats met with Deputy Secretary General for Political Affairs - Political Director for the EEAS Mr. Jean-Christophe Belliard on 4 May 2017.

During his stay in Ukraine Mr. Jean-Christophe Belliard paid a visit to the east of Ukraine, in particular to the city of Avdiivka, and got familiar with the complicated security and humanitarian situation in the region.

Mr. Jean-Christophe Belliard condemned the escalation of violence and growing pressure on SMM of OSCE by Russia-backed militants. He reiterated the unwavering position of the European Union on supporting Ukraine to counter Russian aggression and keeping the EU’s sanctions against Russia until full implementation of Minsk agreements.

The interlocutors also exchanged views on key topics of the Ukraine – EU political agenda, namely on the long-awaited EU decision to grant on visa-free travel to Ukraine before "summer break".

In the meeting the both sides discussed the preparation for the upcoming EU – Ukraine Summit, scheduled on summer this year in Kyiv. They also exchanged their views on positive outcome of provisional application of the DCFTA part of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU.