The decision to grant Ukraine candidate status has become a guarantee of security in Europe
The decision to grant Ukraine EU candidate status has become a guarantee of security in Europe and the region as a whole.
This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olga Stefanishina in an interview Franceinfo during her visit to Paris, where she, in particular, met with the French Minister for European Affairs Clement Bonn, Ukrinform reports.
“The decision to grant candidate status has been a guarantee of security in Europe and the region. It should be adopted very soon. Further, the accession procedure is not easy, it takes time, but the European Council on June 16, we can refocus on rebuilding Ukraine, and in this restoration we hope that Ukraine will become part of the future of Europe “, – Stefanishina.
Regarding the war and the issue of weapons that other countries provide to protect against Russian aggression, the Deputy Prime Minister noted that for Ukraine today it is coordinated to receive weapons in accordance with the needs and delivery schedules.
“Weapons are not enough, given that the Russian Federation is arming all kinds against Ukraine, and its actions are very destructive. All but the nuclear one is already in use by the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine, and it should be noted that in the Donbass and the South, Russia can become a weapon in unlimited quantities, “Stefanishina added.
Regarding the possibilities of peace talks, given the current assessment, she noted that Ukraine is currently in a full-scale war, and that from the first day of this war, Ukraine has stated that it is ready to negotiate its change.
“But these talks cannot be compromised by the loss of territory,” Stefanishina said.
Asked by the President about a possible visit of France to Emmanuel Macron in Ukraine, the Deputy Prime Minister said that President Macron is a great friend of Ukraine
“All of Ukraine rejoiced at his re-election, and we very much hope that he will find time on his schedule to leave. This was very important for the Ukrainian people, “Stefanishina added.
According to her, France has become a leader in a large number of decisions and processes, both in terms of humanitarian positions in Ukraine and in terms of military equipment.
“Even if France is smaller with other countries, it has a constant policy of support, and I am really counting on France’s support. In addition, we believe that today France is playing key information on the policy of sanctions against Russia, “- said the Deputy Prime Minister.
As Ukrinform reported, Ukrainian officials have begun a series of visits to the European capital to discuss granting state status to candidates for membership in the European Union.
“My first stop is Paris,” Stefanishina wrote on Facebook.
President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the application for Ukraine’s membership in the European Union on February 28, 2022.