President of European Council invites Zelenskyy, Sandu to meet in December

The details of the meeting were published by the press service of the President’s Office.

Charles Michel noted that the European Union supports Ukrainians in their struggle for European values, which began ten years ago on Independence Square during the Revolution of Dignity.

"Our European future will be safer with Ukraine in the EU. We have made a very important decision to grant Ukraine and Moldova candidate status," he said.

Charles Michel invited the presidents of Ukraine and Moldova to a meeting in December. He noted that it is very significant that both countries prepare for future membership.

"In December, we have to make a decision on the next steps. We have to ensure that the goal of this expansion process is not just more numbers, but also more efficiency, more ability to protect common values," he added.

During the meeting, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine could not be torn away from Europe, and Ukrainians had proved it. He noted that in Europe, the fates of peoples are closely linked. And when the freedom of one nation wins, other free peoples of Europe always win.

"By defending their freedom, Ukrainians are also defending freedom for their neighbors in Europe. By defending our European choice, we are defending the European choice for our friends, for Moldova, for Georgia, for other neighbors, for Belarus, for our entire region. And by protecting our integrity, we preserve the integrity of the entire European project - a united and peaceful Europe," Zelenskyy added.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu noted that Kyiv symbolizes resilience and hope. She emphasized that the Ukrainian people are defending the independence of not only Ukraine but also Moldova.

"Moldova will stand firmly behind Ukraine. We will host Ukrainian citizens, invest in resilience and solidarity. We will unite our efforts around Ukraine. We are part of the international community that wants to hold Russia accountable," said Maia Sandu.

Earlier on Tuesday, November 21, on the 10th anniversary of the Revolution of Dignity, the President of the European Council Charles Michel arrived in Kyiv. He announced this on the social network X.

“Good to be back in Kyiv – among friends,” he wrote. 

Michel was met at the Kyiv railway station by Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister Yevhen Perebyinis and EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova.

• On that day, Moldovan President Maia Sandu also arrived in Kyiv to pay tribute to those who died during the Revolution of Dignity, along with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska.
• In addition, on the same day, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius arrived in Kyiv to discuss military training and further military assistance with Ukrainian leaders.