EU-Ukraine summit in Kyiv sends a strong political message to Putin, his henchmen and the rest of the world - MEP Kalniete

RIGA - The European Union (EU) - Ukraine Summit, currently being held in Kyiv, is a strong political message for [Russian President Vladimir] Putin and his henchmen, as well as for the rest of the world, stressed European Parliament (EP) Member Sandra Kalniete (New Unity).

As LETA was informed by politician's assistant Elina Bivina, at the EU-Ukraine Summit, 16 commissioners, European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel are meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukrainian government ministers in Kyiv.

Kalniete emphasizes that Ukraine is an EU candidate country. Therefore, in the resolution adopted yesterday in Brussels, the EP emphasizes that it expects a roadmap from this summit, which will clearly outline the work to be done so that, despite Russian aggression, Ukraine can gradually and as soon as possible join the EU single market.

"Step-by-step integration into the EU market would be a tangible benefit both for the economy of the war-torn country and for every citizen. The EC must develop an ambitious plan for accession negotiations with the aim of promoting the gradual and rapid integration of Ukraine into EU policies and programs," says the politician.

According to Kalniete, the EP expects that the idea of the International Olympic Committee to potentially allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate in the Summer Olympics in Paris in 2024 will be condemned at the summit. The politician also emphasizes that the EP resolution rejected a proposal from MEPs of the Baltic states and Poland to expel Russian ambassadors from the capitals of EU countries in solidarity, thereby lowering the level of diplomatic relations.