Zelenskyy, von der Leyen discuss speedup of EU ammo supply to Ukraine

President Zelenskyy made the statement during a joint briefing with the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in Kyiv, Ukrinform reports.

"Ukraine demonstrates the effectiveness of our defense against Russian aggression every day. Every downed terrorist missile, every success of our soldiers in repelling Russian assaults is proof that we can defeat this aggressor," the president said.

He also emphasized the importance of Ukraine's capabilities being commensurate with those of Russia.

"In this context, today I thank Ursula and the European Union for their readiness to provide Ukraine with much-needed ammunition, namely 1 million artillery shells," the head of state added. 

Zelenskyy noted that, among other things, they discussed the speed of procurement and delivery of this ammunition, because, according to him, there is already a need for it on the battlefield.

Earlier, Zelensky posted a video of his meeting with Ursula von der Leyen on Telegram.

"Today, we are meeting in Kyiv on this special day. Because Kyiv is such a fitting place to celebrate the day of Europe. Everyday, the brave people of Ukraine are defending the very values that are the core of the European Union," he commented.

Earlier, Ursula von der Leyen tweeted about her visit to Kyiv.

She announced this on Twitter.

"Good to be back in Kyiv. Where the values we hold dear are defended everyday. So it is such a fitting place to celebrate the day of Europe. I welcome President Zelenskyy's decision to make 9 May Europe Day also here in Ukraine," she wrote.

On May 8, the EU representation in Ukraine reported on Ursula von der Leyen's visit to Kyiv on May 9.

"Tomorrow, President Ursula von der Leyen will be in Kyiv where she will meet President Zelenskyy. She will reaffirm the EU's unwavering support for Ukraine on Europe Day," the message read.

We will remind you that the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy submitted a draft law to the Verkhovna Rada proposing to establish May 8 as the Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism in the Second World War of 1939-1945. He also signed a decree on the annual celebration of Europe Day in Ukraine on May 9.

• On May 6, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal held a meeting with the President of the European Commission in London. The parties discussed the restoration of Ukraine.