Leaders of Four EU Countries Visited Kyiv

On June 16th, the leaders of four European countries Germany, France, Italy and Romania visited Kyiv to meet Zelensky and expressed their support for Ukraine, vowing to back Ukraine to join the European Union and promising to provide more weapons to defend against Russian aggression.

It’s reported that the visit took place the day before the European Commission make recommendation on Ukrainian status as an EU candidate. Previously, Ukraine had criticized the late delivery of aid weapons and was concerned that the pressure from German and French leaders might have negative impact on the Russia-Ukraine peace talks.

This visit sent a clear message that Ukraine belongs to the European family. Germany, France, Italy and Romania all support Ukraine join the EU, the West wouldn’t require Ukraine to make concession to Russia, and the peace talks need to proceed as Ukraine wishes.

After the meeting, Zelensky said that Ukraine has gained support from every leader present including the Germany, he specifically mentioned that Schulz’s support made him very happy, and hoped to receive the IRIS-T air defense system he promised as soon as possible.

Zelensky emphasized that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is equivalent to attacking the entire Europe, the more weapons Ukraine acquired, the faster it would be able to free the occupied territories.