The strengthening of trade and economic relations was among the topics for discussion during a meeting in Kyiv between Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and Executive Vice-President of the European Commission Valdis Dombrovskis.

The Head of the Ukrainian Government thanked the European Union for its support, in particular for announcing the launch of a new emergency macro-financial assistance program for Ukraine in the amount of EUR 1.2 billion. Valdis Dombrovskis, for his part, said that a decision on the European Commission's assistance package would be signed on February 1.

"Funds under the assistance package will be aimed at overcoming the negative consequences of Russia's aggression against our state," said Denys Shmyhal.

In addition, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the EU for launching a long-term program of international financial assistance to support Ukraine’s efforts to modernize its economy.

"I am especially grateful for the doubling of bilateral assistance to Ukraine in the form of grants of EUR 120 million, as well as for the Investment and Economic Plan Flagship Initiatives for Ukraine, which aims to leverage more than EUR 6 billion euros of investment. Such assistance provides confidence in economic stability and the continuation of reforms that will ensure the well-being of our citizens," the Prime Minister stressed.

The parties also reaffirmed their common views on overcoming the security challenges facing not only Ukraine but the entire world today.

"We want peace, not war. Meanwhile, we exert every effort to strengthen the defense capability and economic stability of our state," stressed Denys Shmyhal.

The Prime Minister and the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission also coordinated positions on the possible imposition of sanctions against Russia to deter further aggression.

Valdis Dombrovskis stressed that the EU would continue to support Ukraine both in the short and medium term.