“EU membership is strongest security commitment for Ukraine” – Borrell

The EU is determined to support Ukraine for a long time in its struggle against Russian aggression and in preserving peace, says EU top official Josep Borrell during the first meeting of foreign ministers in Kyiv.

The most effective manifestation of the EU's security obligations to Ukraine is its membership in the European Union, Borrell assures.

He noted that Ukraine is now a candidate country and is moving further along this path.

We are talking about war, resilience, cyber attacks, and of course our discussion touched upon the topic of peace. And we must look for opportunities for peace, and ensure those reforms that will create additional pressure on Russia, said the high representative.

Borrell added that by the end of the year, the EU Council will receive a report from the European Commission on the proposed package of enlargement. He and the Commissioner will submit this report for analysis.

Borrell added that the EU continues to provide training for Ukrainian soldiers.

The target today is to train 40,000 soldiers in the upcoming months, and this includes specialised training for fighter jets' pilots. We are also working on strengthening the cooperation between the European and the Ukrainian defense industries.

After an unannounced visit to Odesa, Josep Borrell arrived in Kyiv. On the Day of Defenders of Ukraine, October 1, the EU High Representative and President Volodymyr Zelensky took part in events honoring the fallen troops.

Borrell said that the EU's support for Ukraine in the defense sector has reached 25 billion euros, and the total amount of assistance, including military, civilian, and humanitarian aid, is 85 billion euros.