Denys Shmyhal and Josep Borrel discuss strengthening security and countering Russian aggression

The issue of strengthening security and intensifying sanctions to prevent further Russian aggression was tackled by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell during a meeting in Kyiv.

According to Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine appreciates the first visit of the EU High Representative to Donbas since the beginning of the Russian armed aggression.

"These days it is extremely important to see the active position of the heads of EU institutions and friends of Ukraine. We are looking forward to your further support and determination in adopting tough economic sanctions against Russia in case of another round of aggression against our state," the Ukrainian Prime Minister said.

The Head of Government stressed that Russia's goal was to prevent Ukraine from joining the EU and NATO. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to fulfill its Euro-Atlantic and European integration commitments.

The Prime Minister of Ukraine thanked the European Union for its clear position on non-acceptance of Russia's illegal demands.

"The so-called security proposals made by the Kremlin must get a unanimous response. Transatlantic unity is the key to strong support for Ukraine," said Denys Shmyhal.

The Prime Minister noted that Ukraine appreciates the EU's position on its readiness to react quickly to further military aggression against our country, in particular by imposing a package of new unprecedented sanctions.

Moreover, Denys Shmyhal thanked Josep Borrell for his personal support and a prospect to deploy the European Union's military advisory and training mission in Ukraine in 2022.

"Such a step will, definitely, demonstrate the firm stance of the European community in its full support of Ukraine and may be an additional guarantee for strengthening Ukraine's national defense capabilities and resilience to existing external and internal threats," the Head of Ukrainian Government emphasized.

The Prime Minister Denys Shnyhal voiced gratitude to the European Union for joining the Crimean Platform.

For his part, EU High Representative Josep Borrell expressed interest in further deepening cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union in various fields, including the Crimean Platform. According to him, one of the promising areas of cooperation may also be cooperation in the field of cybersecurity.

The top EU official Josep Borrell assured that the EU has been and remains a reliable partner of Ukraine.