If the EU does not show ironclad support for Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova, then someone will show iron muscles near our borders – Zelenskyi

President Volodymyr Zelenskyi thanked for the Conclusions of the European Council of June 24 and noted the importance of EU leaders recognizing the European aspirations of associate partners. At the same time, it's equally important to turn them into real steps and actions.

He said this during his participation in the Batumi International Conference.

"Because if Brussels and the EU don't show ironclad support for the European aspirations of our three countries, then someone is showing the iron muscles of their weapons near our three state borders. And this, in my opinion, is a threat not only to our three countries but also to the entire continent," the Head of State said. The President added that every country was important for the future of Europe.

In his opinion, the proof that Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova have a place in the European future can be the EU diving them a European perspective as states that share common values, in accordance with Article 49 of the EU Treaty.

"We want the territory of the European Union to become bigger. And for this choice, the territories of our three states, unfortunately, have become smaller. We know for sure that this is temporary. But how temporary, in many respects depends on you, dear Europeans, on your support. An example of this is the European Council, wanting to provide associate partners with a European perspective," the Head of State stressed.

Volodymyr Zelensky noted that the next summit of the Eastern Partnership countries was to take place in December.

"This is very important. But the EU's lack of a strategic vision of the Eastern Partnership goals makes this format less substantive, half-alive. We don't need a summit for the sake of the summit. We have people dying, we have war. We need political content and a geopolitical vision of the future. In other words, to be honest, the expediency of this, in general, is unclear. The next summit should show a clear vision of relations with the closest partners on the part of the EU," the President of Ukraine stressed.

The President added that Ukraine would support this initiative as much as it would contribute to the realization of European aspirations.

"I believe that we'll reach the goal together with you. And together we'll celebrate the addition of three sisters to the European family, Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova," Volodymyr Zelenskyi summed up.

The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, noted that the Eastern Partnership was an excellent example of cooperation to overcome the challenges, in particular in the fight against the pandemic, to support economic recovery. He also noted that the European Union had offered a large package of investments for partners, in particular, investments were planned to focus on upgrading road infrastructure. He was also talking about digital transformation in the EU partner countries.