European leaders visit Kyiv for the first time since Russian invasion

Europe, News June 17, 2022 , by IRIA No Comments

French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, and Romanian President Klaus Johannis jointly visited Kyiv for the first time since the Russian invasion of Ukraine started in February 2022.

Leaders from France, Germany, Italy, and Romania visited Kyiv on June 16 to show support and embrace Ukraine’s bid to become a European Union (EU) member.

European leaders arrived at the Ukrainian capital to show their support in favor of Ukraine. The trip also has a particular significance at this time, because European Commission is considering giving Ukraine a candidate status very soon. The visit from the leaders of major EU member states can play a significant role in determining Ukraine’s future in the EU.

Scholz, Macron, and Draghi arrived in Ukraine early in the morning through an overnight train that was provided by the Ukrainian authorities. While embarking on the trip along with the German and Italian leaders, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that this trip to Ukraine “is an important moment. It is a message of unity that we are sending to the Ukrainians.”

The group also visited the town of Irpin in the suburbs of Kyiv, which was taken over by the Russian forces during an occupation operation. Scholz tweeted that “The brutal destruction of this city is a warning: this war must end.”

While in Kyiv, Macron, Scholz, Johannis, and Draghi also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. While speaking at the post-meeting joint press conference, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said, “My colleagues and I came here to Kyiv today with a clear message: ‘Ukraine belongs to the European family.”

*^{Ukrainian President Zelenskyy meets German, French, Italian, and Romanian leaders in Kyiv on June 16, 2022. (Image Credit: Office of President of Ukraine)}*

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said, “The Ukrainian people defend every day the values of democracy and freedom that underpin the European project, our project. We cannot delay this process.”

Kyiv has often criticized France, Germany, and especially Italy for being slow in delivering weapons and support to Ukraine. In response, French President Macron pledged to send at least six truck-mounted artillery guns as the latest round of weapons delivery for Ukraine.

During the joint press conference, Macron said “All four of us support the status of immediate candidate for membership.” He further added that “Europe is by your side, and will remain so for as long as necessary, all the way to victory.”

France currently holds the rotating presidency for the EU, while Macron is deeply involved in diplomatic efforts to push for a ceasefire in Ukraine that would allow future peace negotiations. The EU leaders are expected to endorse Ukraine’s bid to join the bloc during the summit in Brussels next week.