On October 8, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a phone call with European Council President António Costa, during which they discussed Ukraine’s accession to the EU, as well as financial and energy support. Zelensky also announced an agreement to hold a trilateral meeting with Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in the near future.
This was reported by Volodymyr Zelensky.
The president thanked Costa for condemning Russian strikes on Ukraine and for expressing condolences. According to Zelensky, Russian attacks on Pryluky, Kramatorsk, Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities in recent days have killed 78 people and injured another 215.
Zelensky also thanked the European Union for a €1.2 billion tranche received by Ukraine the previous day. According to him, the funds will be directed to defense, including the procurement and production of drones.
During the call, the two sides discussed the timetable for opening the next negotiating clusters on Ukraine’s accession to the EU, an energy support package for the winter and further financial assistance.
António Costa said he had invited Zelensky to attend in person the European Council’s discussion on Ukraine next week. According to Costa, the EU expects to open two negotiating clusters next week and all remaining clusters by the end of the year.
Zelensky also briefed Costa on contacts and meetings with the U.S. side scheduled for the coming days. According to the president, the Ukrainian team is already on its way to the talks.
