On 14 September, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Oleksandr Mishchenko held a meeting with a delegation of the European External Action Service (EEAS) headed by Deputy Secretary General for Peace, Security and Defence David Cvach.

The interlocutors discussed in detail current issues related to Russia’s aggression and the actions of its allies, and exchanged views on the international agenda.

Oleksandr Mishchenko expressed gratitude for the European Union’s consistent support for Ukraine and stressed the importance of further strengthening Ukraine’s defence capabilities, in particular through such EU instruments as the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme and the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), as well as the US-NATO Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative.

The sides also discussed the importance of further coordinating efforts with international partners to achieve a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, including within the United Nations. They noted that pressure on Russia must be maintained, given its lack of willingness to pursue peace.

The interlocutors agreed that diplomatic efforts should be underpinned by trust and reinforced by increased support for Ukraine, which is defending not only its territorial integrity but also standing in the way of the spread of aggression to European countries.