Von der Leyen says Europe will support Ukraine in talks

Europe will continue to support Ukraine in its pursuit of peace, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said following a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Rome on 26 April.

In addition, the European Commission chairwoman said that during her talks with the Ukrainian leader, she discussed the steps Ukraine was taking to strengthen its place in the European community.

She also posted a video of her meeting with Zelenskyy.

For his part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that during a meeting with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, the parties discussed steps aimed at protecting the lives of citizens, restoring security and moving closer to an unconditional cease-fire.

According to the head of state, special attention during the talks was paid to the preparation of the 17th package of sanctions of the European Union. Zielenski stressed the importance of the new restrictions to target key sectors of the Russian economy and to increase pressure on Russia to achieve peace.