With a red-white-red glowing video wall, the Ukrainian capital Kiev sent greetings to Austria on the occasion of the national holiday. The war-torn country had received both financial and humanitarian aid from Austria. “Thank you very much to all Austrians for continuing to support Ukraine,” the Ukrainian ambassador wrote on Twitter.
“Ukraine congratulates Austria on its national holiday! Congratulations!” placed Vasyl Khymynets, Ambassador to Vienna. Given the dramatic events in Israel, the international focus had shifted somewhat from Ukraine, but Austria had always expressed its support.
Zelenskyi wants Ukraine to join the EU
The war in Ukraine was also a topic at the EU summit in Brussels; Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the EU heads of state and government for their support in his video address on Thursday evening and at the same time called on his country to take swift action. admitted to the Union. “This decision will be one of the strongest of this decade and will in many ways determine the entire future path of the European Union,” Zelensky emphasized. Ukraine has met the requirements for accession negotiations.
“Either our entire Europe, together with Ukraine, together with Moldova and in the future together with Georgia and Belarus, will win, or… the past will win,” the Ukrainian leader continued. Each country’s path to the EU is based on merit and institutional development. Ukraine does this job well. “Even despite the war, we do not demand any exceptions to the general rules. “Ukraine has practically implemented seven recommendations of the European Commission.”
“The key is sanctions”
Ukraine is counting on Europe’s “unity in response – the decision to start negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union.” Zelensky thanked the EU for its support packages for Ukraine and for its sanctions packages against Russia: “The key now is to ensure “that all sanctions are fully effective and that Russia cannot circumvent them.” A twelfth sanctions package is currently in the making.
In his speech he warned of a fire in the Middle East. “The enemies of freedom are deeply interested in bringing the free world to a second front.” We must recognize the scenario clearly and face it together. “The sooner there is security in the Middle East, the sooner we will restore security here – in Europe.”
The EU could further restrict trade with Russia
Several senior EU officials said in Brussels on Wednesday that there are plans to restrict the trade in diamonds from Russia. In addition, there could be an import ban on aluminum and export restrictions on other goods that can be used not only for civilian but also military purposes.
In drafts of the final declaration, the EU summit emphasizes the “EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine”. The EU will continue to provide financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic assistance. Today’s summit will also discuss the European Commission’s proposed increase in the long-standing EU budget, including to support the reconstruction of Ukraine by EUR 50 billion. It is unlikely that a decision on this will be made before the December meeting.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
