Metsola meets Zelensky, opens EP office in Kyiv
This was Roberta Metsola's fourth visit to the war-torn country
Updated 5.43pm
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola had talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday and opened a permanent office of the EP in Kyiv. She also addressed the Ukrainian parliament.
Europe - like Ukraine - has always wanted peace, she told the Ukrainian parliamentarians. “It is the very reason our Union was founded. But it must be a real peace, one that lasts, a peace that keeps us all safe. That is why we continue to push for security guarantees, and why we are working with our partners to make them real. We are ready, determined and able, and this is also the message that we have sent to our partners in the United States.”
She expressed pride in opening the European Parliament's office and reiterated the European Union's continued and unwavering support for Ukraine.
Metsola also met Prime Minister Svyrydenko and Rada Speaker Stefanchuk.
She emphasised the European Parliament's support for a permanent, just and real peace, continued efforts to weaken Russia's war through strong sanctions and strengthened parliamentary cooperation. The European Parliament is also calling for the need to advance on Ukraine's membership bid.
President Volodymyr Zelensky and Roberta Metsola have a quiet word in Kyiv.This was the European Parliament president's fourth visit to the country.
She said Europe will continue to provide support through humanitarian aid for families, support through tough sanctions to weaken Russia's "war machine", and support through diplomacy to keep Ukraine's cause at the top of the EU's agenda.
"That is how, together, we defend Ukraine, and how we move closer to peace, how we work to return every kidnapped Ukrainian child back home and we bring back all those civilians still taken," she said.
She said she was proud to be opening a permanent representation office of the European Parliament in Kyiv.
"This was our commitment to you, and we have kept it. We are here with you, and we are here to stay. And, as we also say, you will never walk alone. And when that peace does come, and when this dark chapter is finally closed, we will be standing with you still as you rebuild. And soon, you will join the family of nations in the European Union."