Kyiv (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The S&D delegation, led by Iratxe García Pérez, met Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy to discuss continued support, including military aid, economic assistance, and EU membership progress.
European Parliament political group Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats political (S&D) delegation headed by its President Iratxe García Pérez met with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy on 10 Dec 2024. President García journeyed to Ukraine with a panel of Socialists and Democrats to discuss with critical representatives of the government to depict the Group’s full backing for Ukraine.
The panel included MEPs Yannis Maniatis, Amor Sven, Mikser Nacho Sánchez and Thijs Reuten. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the European Council and European Parliament for the economic and political backing delivered to Ukraine since the very start of the full-scale Russian attack.
How significant is the 4.1-billion-euro EU funding?
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said:
EU’s funding of 4.1 billion euros to Ukraine for this year under the Ukraine Facility program is extremely important for us. We are also looking forward to the 18-billion-euro macro-financial loan for Ukraine. These conclusions are very essential for us. All political decisions backed by the majority of the European Parliament during these almost three years have been very significant for us.
What military aid was discussed with President Zelenskyy?
During the discussion, the groups discussed military backing and the strengthening of air defence to guard people and vital infrastructure in Ukraine from Russian aggression. The usage of frozen Russian assets for security requirements and supporting air defence was one of the essential topics of the discussions. Particular lookout was paid to Ukraine’s advancement towards European Union membership.
Iratxe García Pérez highlighted the significance of continued military, economic and humanitarian aid for Ukraine. “We understand how crucial this is for all of us. You are supporting your country and our shared values, freedom. We understand how significant it is to persist operating in this direction,” she stated. Further, she said: “We voiced our backing for the European aspirations of the people of Ukraine. Ukraine is a European nation and its people are our European compatriots.