On 21 November, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal met with Ambassadors of the European Union member states in Kyiv. The focus of the conversation was on the passage of this year and the continuation of comprehensive support in the coming year.
Among the important and topical issues of the meeting was the winter. Denys Shmyhal thanked all the countries for their assistance with the restoration as well as energy equipment.
"russia is once again trying to plunge Ukrainians into darkness and cold, so we are counting on coordinated support. Our long-term priorities for the development of the industry include green energy, decentralised generation, and alternative energy sources," the Prime Minister stressed.
Another key issue the participants focused on was defence. As the Head of Government stressed, russia is testing its new ballistic missiles in Ukraine, so our country needs more air defence systems and more weapons. Denys Shmyhal also raised the issue of downing missiles over Ukraine and the long-range capability of weapons provided by partners. He called on countries to join the "Danish model" of financing Ukrainian arms purchases.
"We are grateful to our partners for their direct budgetary assistance. With this support, we have sufficient funds to finance critical budget expenditures. We have to go through the next year with confidence. We expect to receive USD 50 billion from frozen russian assets this year. Our ultimate goal remains unchanged - the confiscation and transfer of all russian assets to Ukraine," the Prime Minister said.
A separate discussion was held on the issue of sanctions against russia. Denys Shmyhal called for further pressure on key sectors of the russian economy, which help the aggressor to finance its brutal war.
Moreover, the parties addressed assistance to Ukraine in facilitating its further European integration and its path to full membership in the EU. The Prime Minister stressed that Ukraine continues to systematically fulfil its obligations and implement reforms, and therefore expects continued comprehensive support from the EU states: "A strong Ukraine is the key to a strong Europe."