Antonio Costa to visit Kiev on February 24 for the anniversary of the start of the war

The President of the European Council Antonio Costa will visit Kiev on February 24 for the anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ukrinform reported, quoted by BTA.

Costa announced this in Aix after a meeting of world leaders with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, organized by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

"An important meeting organized by Chancellor Merz to familiarize ourselves with the situation in Ukraine and current events surrounding the peace talks. We welcome all efforts to achieve lasting peace. The recently concluded agreement on the exchange of prisoners of war is a welcome step forward," said the President of the European Council.

He stressed that the EU's goal is for Ukraine to be strong enough on the path to peace.

"We will continue to provide comprehensive support to Ukraine - political, military and financial - including support for its accession to the EU," wrote Costa. "Dear Mr. President, on February 24, I will be in Kiev to stand with you on the Maidan (Independence Square in Kiev) and together we will commemorate the anniversary of the Russian military aggression," he added, addressing Zelensky.

Earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said after a meeting with the Ukrainian leader in Munich that the EU's goal is for Ukraine to be able to negotiate on terms favorable to Kiev, from a position of strength, and a safe, reliable and prosperous future for its citizens within the EU, Ukrinform reports.