Ukraine expects EU to launch new initiatives on ammunition supplies on February 3 – President's Office on Zelenskyy's meeting with Costa

Ukraine expects to launch new initiatives on ammunition supplies at the informal meeting of European Union leaders on February 3.

This is indicated in a statement of the Office of the President, the Ukrainian News agency reports.

In particular, it reports on the meeting of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with President of the European Council António Costa in Kraków (Poland).

It is noted that Zelenskyy and Costa paid special attention to military assistance. Zelenskyy stressed that the development of the Ukrainian defense industry, primarily the production of drones and long-range weapons, is a priority that will strengthen Ukraine's position to achieve a just and lasting peace.

The parties discussed possible sources of financing for domestic weapons production, which is fast and cheap, in particular by using frozen russian assets.

"Special attention is paid to preparations for the informal meeting of EU leaders convened by António Costa on February 3. Ukraine is counting on launching new strong initiatives on the supply of ammunition at it," the message says.

Zelenskyy thanked the EU for today's decision to extend sanctions against russia for another six months and spoke in favor of increasing sanctions pressure.

It is noted that one of the key topics of the meeting is the expected 16th package of EU sanctions against the russian federation, Ukraine hopes for strong decisions that will further limit the aggressor state's ability to continue the war.

Zelenskyy also stressed that it is important for Ukraine that Europe be a full participant in any future negotiations on restoring a just peace.

In addition, he noted that Ukraine wants to open several clusters in the negotiations on accession to the EU in the first half of 2025 and is counting on the support of the President of the European Council in ensuring unanimity among the member states.

It is noted that in turn, Costa stressed that a just and lasting peace is needed not only by Ukraine, but also by all of Europe.

Zelenskyy arrived in Poland on a visit to participate in events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, where more than a million people died during World War II, most of the prisoners killed by the Nazis were Jews.

As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, in March 2023, the EU promised Ukraine 1 million rounds of ammunition, which were almost transferred by 2025.

In January, Ukraine received EUR 3 billion from the European Union, which are provided by income from russian frozen assets.

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