President Volodymyr Zelensky held substantive talks with President of the European Council António Costa, as reported on the president’s official Telegram channel. The focus of the conversation was strengthening European unity and accelerating Ukraine’s integration into the European Union. Zelensky expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support of the EU during Russia’s full-scale invasion, affirming that the Ukrainian people remain committed to their sovereign right to choose their future within the European family.
During the dialogue, both leaders addressed the practical steps necessary for Ukraine to become a full-fledged EU member. This includes the technical preparation for opening negotiation clusters—a vital phase in aligning Ukraine with European standards. European leadership reaffirmed that Russia’s attempts to fracture the unity of the West have failed, and the EU remains firmly committed to Ukraine’s victory.
Beyond the integration agenda, the discussion covered critical diplomatic initiatives, specifically the agreement to exchange prisoners of war with Russia in a “1000 for 1000” format, facilitated by American mediation. This breakthrough reflects the ongoing efforts by Ukraine and its allies to prioritize the return of captured heroes despite the aggressive stance of the Kremlin.
The meeting highlights a two-pronged strategy: securing Ukraine’s geopolitical future through European institutional reform while simultaneously leveraging diplomatic channels to mitigate the humanitarian consequences of the war. Despite the intensified battlefield realities, the diplomatic dialogue between Kyiv and Brussels remains a cornerstone of the broader resistance effort against Russian aggression. Ukraine continues to work systematically on opening all remaining negotiating chapters, aiming for substantial progress by the end of the year, underscoring that the European aspirations of the Ukrainian people are irreversible.