The President of Ukraine discussed with the Prime Minister of Croatia the strengthening of sanctions, cooperation in the field of security, energy and on the path of European integration

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting with Prime Minister of Croatia Andrei Plenkovic, who is in our country on a visit. This is reported by the website of the President of Ukraine.This is reported by the website of the President of Ukraine.

The Head of State thanked the people and the Government of Croatia for supporting Ukraine during the difficult time of the war.

"Croatia is a principled participant in our anti-war coalition. Together we defend the right not only of our citizens, not only citizens of Ukraine, but also of every European nation to an independent and democratic life. We are defending the future of a united Europe together and are doing everything to restore the force of international law," Volodymyr Zelensky stressed, talking to media representatives following the results of negotiations with Andrei Plenkovich in Kiev.

According to the President, the key topics of the meeting were security and the steps necessary to support Ukraine in the struggle for freedom.

"In particular, these are steps in the defense, economic, energy spheres, as well as cooperation at the level of the European Union," the Head of State noted.

According to Vladimir Zelensky, among other things, the talks discussed increasing sanctions pressure on Russia. He thanked Croatia for its readiness to support the sixth EU sanctions package.

"Until Russia stops this war against our state, against our people, until it leaves our land and begins to respect freedom in Europe, we need to raise the price for this aggression for it," the President said.

The parties also discussed cooperation in restoring a full life in the de-occupied areas of our country.

"Croatia has considerable experience in demining territories, and I have asked to provide our state with the necessary assistance, especially under our program for the restoration of Ukraine," the Head of State noted and added that the Russian military left thousands of mines and tripwires on Ukrainian soil during the retreat, which pose a threat to civilians.

In addition, at the meeting, Vladimir Zelensky and Andrei Plenkovich discussed Ukraine's integration into the European Union.

"I am grateful to Croatia and personally to Prime Minister Plenkovic for the consistent and strong support of Ukraine on the way to the European Union. Last December, we signed a Declaration with the Prime Minister on the European Perspective of our state. I want to thank you again for this," the President said.

He expressed hope that at the meeting of the European Council in June this year, the EU member states will support the decision on the status of a candidate for our state.

In addition, the President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of Croatia devoted a lot of time to the issue of ending the war on our land.

"What is happening in the Donbas, I told Andrei Plenkovich in detail what difficulties there are, where Croatia could help us, and so on. I want to thank you again for this visit," the Head of State said.

In turn, the Prime Minister of Croatia noted that his country highly appreciates the steadfastness and resistance of the Ukrainian people, and respects the heroism of the Ukrainian military defending their homes, families and their homeland. He assured of the continued support of our state.

"Croatia has consistently supported Ukraine in political, diplomatic, legal, financial, humanitarian and technical terms. And we will continue to provide this assistance, clearly realizing that we are doing this as a country that has always been convinced that we are on the right side of history, on the right side of ethics," Andrei Plenkovich stressed.

Also, according to him, Croatia will support further restrictive measures against Russia at the EU level.

Andriy Plenkovych noted that he personally and his country support the European aspirations of Ukraine and its people. He positively assessed the completion by our state of the questionnaire for obtaining the status of a candidate for EU membership and assured that Croatia would assist Ukraine in further steps at the level of the European Council.

The Prime Minister also stressed that his country is ready to share its mine clearance experience with Ukraine.

In addition, Andrei Plenkovich said that from today the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Croatia to Ukraine is returning to Kiev, which "is also a powerful signal of support for Ukrainians."