Key topics at yesterday’s meeting in Kyiv between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Xavier Bettel, and Minister of Defense Yuriko Backes included new support and aid packages, as well as Luxembourg’s involvement in the reconstruction of the Kryvyi Rih district and the city of Kryvyi Rih.
Zelensky said this in a post on Telegram, according to Ukrinform.
“Yesterday, I met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg, Xavier Bettel, and the Minister of Defense, Yuriko Backes. We are grateful for all the expressions of support for our state, as well as for the new aid packages aimed at supporting Ukraine’s energy sector and defense capabilities. We discussed Luxembourg’s participation in the reconstruction of the Kryvyi Rih district and the city of Kryvyi Rih, as well as our European integration. Diplomatic efforts to achieve a reliable peace were also on the agenda,” he wrote.
According to him, Ukraine is ready for a full and unconditional ceasefire for a sufficient period, which should be the first step toward peace.
“We are ready for negotiations, but only after the killing of our people stops. And we are grateful to everyone who supports us in this,” Zelensky said.
His official website also reports that the head of state thanked Luxembourg for the military, financial, energy, and humanitarian support provided to Ukraine, as well as for offering shelter to over 4,500 Ukrainians who were forced to flee their homes due to the full-scale Russian invasion.
“We are deeply grateful to you personally, to your country, and to your people for all the support on a personal level, on the level of people. We are truly grateful for this it,” Zelensky said.
The parties also discussed Luxembourg’s participation in the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
Bettel reaffirmed Luxembourg’s continued support for Ukraine and commended the bravery of Ukrainians in resisting the Russian aggressor.
“I know that we are not the biggest country, not the largest in size, but believe me, in friendship, in respect, we are much greater than the size of our country. The people of Luxembourg also stand with you. It is important for us to be here to demonstrate our support,” he said.
Backes, in turn, emphasized the importance of continuing cooperation between Ukraine and Luxembourg and of making every effort to achieve peace.
“Together with Xavier, we will continue to support you, just as we have from day one, until the very end, until peace is achieved for your country. We also need to increase our own defense investments,” she said.
Photo credit: Office of the President of Ukraine
Source: Zelensky shares details of meeting with Luxembourg ministers
