On 17 February, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Yevhen Perebyinis held a meeting with Belén Martínez Carbonell, Secretary-General of the European External Action Service (EEAS).

The Deputy Minister briefed the EEAS Secretary-General on the current security situation and the consequences of Russian strikes against civilians and critical infrastructure. In this context, he expressed gratitude for the European Union’s increased pressure on the Russian Federation, in particular in connection with the presentation of the 20th package of sanctions against Russia, which is expected to be approved by the EU Member States in the near future.

The interlocutors also paid particular attention to issues related to EU macro-financial assistance to Ukraine and further support for Ukraine’s energy sector. Yevhen Perebyinis noted the EU’s substantial humanitarian assistance and contributions, which have helped sustain Ukraine’s critical infrastructure throughout this extremely difficult period.

In addition, the parties held a detailed discussion on Ukraine’s strategic course towards membership in the European Union, which is viewed as one of the key elements of security guarantees for Ukraine and strategic stability in Europe. Yevhen Perebyinis reaffirmed Ukraine’s ambitious goal of completing all domestic work necessary to fulfil the accession requirements by the end of 2027, expressing hope for the earliest possible unblocking by Hungary of the opening of the negotiation clusters.