Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS) will return to the Czech Republic from his visit to Kyiv on Wednesday. In the Ukrainian capital under siege by Russian invasion troops, he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday evening, along with his Polish counterpart Mateusz Morawiecki and Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša.
The visit, which Polish Deputy Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczyński also attended, was not just symbolic, with the politicians standing up for the Ukrainians’ struggle against the Russian occupiers. They discussed further support for Ukraine from the European Union and a possible invitation to the country for membership talks.
“We know that you are also fighting for our lives and our freedom. You are not alone. Our country stands by your side. Europe stands by your side, “Fiala said after the meeting with Zelensky.
The unexpected trip, which the politicians mainly made by train, took place despite considerable security risks. The Ukrainian capital has been the target of shelling for several days, and a curfew has been imposed in the city.
The Ukrainian side also welcomed the visit of the EU leaders. “The courage of true friends,” commented Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on the trip.