Kiev-Ukraine-January 31, 2023

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis shmigal announced

That a summit between Ukraine and the EU will be held in Kiev on Friday, the day after "Governmental Consultations" will take place between Ukraine and the European Commission and"will be the first in our history".

"Holding this summit in Kiev sends a strong message to partners and enemies alike," shmigal said during a government meeting, according to Agence France-Presse.

He stressed that he expects "from the summit a positive interim assessment of our efforts to achieve integration with Europe".

This is the 24th summit between the parties, at which Kiev will present the results achieved on the basis of the seven recommendations of the European Commission.

Earlier, Kiev had said that it would host a summit with Europeans on its territory, and several files, including military support, would be discussed, as the war in Ukraine approaches its first anniversary, while no solution looms in sight.

The summit comes after European countries agreed to raise the level of military support to Kiev, the most notable development in this area was the approval of Germany to send "Leopard" tanks after repeated refusals.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro kuliba said he expected a good assessment from the Europeans.

Several bilateral agreements, some of which are industry-related, will be signed during the summit.

He pointed out that the agenda should include setting a possible date for the start of negotiations between the parties with a view to Kiev's accession to the European Union, after all the recommendations of the latter have been implemented.

The Ukrainian Foreign Minister noted that the summit will address new sanctions against Russia, especially with regard to missiles and parades.

Kiev says the summit will discuss President Volodymyr Zelensky's initiative to end the war.

Zelensky put forward a 10-point peace plan last November, focusing on the restoration of Ukrainian territorial integrity, the withdrawal of Russian troops and the cessation of hostilities.