Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a statement during a joint press conference with European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen after a special meeting of the European Council in Brussels.

Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted the symbolic nature of playing the Ukrainian national anthem and words of support for our country, which is fighting for its independence and shared European freedom on the 351st day of Russia's war that it started.

"It is absolutely just that Ukraine traditionally participates in meetings of EU leaders. The Ukrainian language sounds in discussions among presidents and heads of government of the EU, the Ukrainian language sounds in the European Parliament. This has already been secured. And we will make this part of regular European practice when Ukraine becomes a member of the European Union," he emphasized.

The President called one of the most important results of Ukraine's interaction with the EU the building of unity, especially regarding the fact that the European Union will be with Ukraine until its victory and Ukraine will be in the EU.

According to the Head of State, at the meeting of the European Council there was a substantive discussion about what provides security and protects lives, guarantees stability, restores justice, fully corresponding both to Ukrainian and European interests.

Volodymyr Zelensky thanked EU partners for providing air defense systems. At the same time, he noted that it is in the interest of Ukraine and all of Europe to ensure that Russia cannot produce new missiles, constantly hitting our cities and infrastructure with them.

"Therefore, another step must be taken and sanctions against the entire missile and drone industry of Russia, as well as part of their IT sector which supports Russian terror should be introduced," he emphasized.

The Head of State highlighted that his inspiration comes from statements about Europe being with Ukraine until victory.

"And today I heard from leaders of some European countries readiness to provide the necessary weapons for Ukraine, including combat aircraft," he said.

Volodymyr Zelensky also thanked all EU leaders and citizens for their warm attitude towards Ukrainians, providing shelter for those of our people who saved themselves and their children from military actions.

"Millions of our citizens and millions of European Union citizens saw thanks to this support that our shared European values really work," the Head of State noted.

On his part, Charles Michel stressed that the coming weeks in Ukraine will be decisive, so Europe must demonstrate solidarity.

The President of the European Council expressed confidence that Ukraine should receive maximum weapons, including air defense systems, tanks, and other military equipment.

He supported Ukraine's peace formula to uphold international law and the UN Charter as well as an initiative for a special summit on peace.

As Charles Michel emphasized, despite the war, Ukraine continues to implement recommendations of the European Commission which were given to our country when it received candidate status for EU membership.

The President of the European Council noted that the EU will continue to apply sanctions pressure on Russia. In particular, preparations are underway for the 10th package of sanctions against the aggressor country. According to Charles Michel, the EU will use an instrument to block Russian assets.

"The European Union is Ukraine. Ukraine is the European Union. Europe is our common home. We will do everything for this," he said.

On her part, Ursula von der Leyen expressed confidence that the EU must continue to support Ukraine in its confrontation with the aggressor as our struggle is for independence, democracy and free Europe.

"Now we need to mobilize to protect the European way of life. Ukraine is also the European way of life. We are one family. Family members are united. You can count on our help, and we will provide you with full support now and in the future so that your people can go through this terrible war," said the President of the European Commission.

According to her words, the EU fully supports Ukraine's peace formula and is working with its partners for its implementation.

Ursula von der Leyen also emphasized that Russia must answer for the bloodshed it has caused. Therefore, during the preparation of the next package of sanctions by the EU, materials prepared by Ukraine in this regard were taken into account. It is expected that the mentioned restrictions will deprive Russian military machine of resources.

In addition, according to her words, a process of collecting evidence of war crimes committed by Russia on Ukrainian territory and creating a court for bringing all those responsible to justice is underway.

The President of the European Commission also highly appreciated Ukraine's steps towards joining the EU.

"Your work results have demonstrated that you are capable of working very quickly and qualitatively even in wartime conditions when you fight against an aggressor," she noted.

Ursula von der Leyen assured Volodymyr Zelensky that the EU will be by Ukraine's side in building Europe's future.