Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is ready to meet with Zelenskyy after talks with Ursula von der Leyen. He demands that Ukraine allow inspection and resume transit of Russian oil.
Ursula von der Leyen and Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed a loan for Ukraine, the 20th sanctions package, and the impact of events in the Middle East on energy prices. Energy security and the availability of defense materials were also discussed.
The Hungarian Prime Minister called on the President of the European Commission to ensure the implementation of agreements that oblige Ukraine to allow the transit of oil through the Druzhba oil pipeline.
Ukraine's desire for accelerated accession to the European Union has met with resistance from EU governments unwilling to open a "Pandora's box" of problems. President Zelenskyy seeks accession by 2027 as part of a peace agreement, but member states express skepticism.
Ukraine is under pressure from the EU to allow inspection of the damaged Druzhba pipeline, which supplies Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia. Kyiv claims significant damage from a Russian airstrike, but Hungary and Slovakia accuse Ukraine of deliberately blocking it.
In February, President Zelenskyy held 31 international meetings and 11 phone calls, visited Munich, and hosted leaders of partner countries in Kyiv.
Zelenskyy stated that the issue of changing European legislation to confiscate oil from detained vessels of Russia's "shadow fleet" is being discussed.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is convening a special meeting of the College of Commissioners on security on March 2 due to the situation in Iran. She emphasized the importance of avoiding further escalation due to Iran's attacks.
Slovak President Robert Fico agreed to Volodymyr Zelenskyy's proposal to hold talks on all aspects of Ukrainian-Slovak cooperation. This happened after discussing problems with oil transit through Ukraine.
Temporary protection for Ukrainians in the EU is valid until March next year, said European Commission spokesman Markus Lammert. He is not aware of the debates regarding men of conscription age, referring to the current rules.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico discussed the transit of oil through the "Druzhba" pipeline with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He proposes creating a joint inspection group to verify its functioning, as Slovakia and Hungary cannot receive paid oil.
The return to market tariffs for gas, electricity, and heating in Ukraine is possible only after the war ends. The government will develop a roadmap for the liberalization of gas and electricity markets by June 2026.
Ukraine is finalizing its energy recovery and updated protection strategy by March 1 for the next winter. President Zelenskyy called for taking into account the experience of the regions for greater resilience.
President Zelenskyy met with U4U MEPs. They discussed the restoration of Ukraine's energy system and the scaling up of the PURL program.
The European Commission is discussing with the European Parliament and member states options to secure a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine. This is happening against the backdrop of Budapest's blockade, despite prior agreement, confirmed European Commission spokeswoman Paula Pinho.
A Median poll showed that Hungary's opposition Tisza party leads the pro-government Fidesz by 20 percentage points among decided voters. Tisza has 55% support against Fidesz's 35%.
President Zelenskyy positively assessed the signing of the EU loan for Ukraine of 90 billion euros by the President of the European Parliament, calling it a "significant guarantee. " He emphasized the importance of this decision coming into effect for Ukraine "as soon as possible and as effectively as possible."
Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the European Commission's commitment to help restore Ukraine's energy infrastructure one of the most important outcomes of the meetings. The European Commission will support the repair and strengthening of the energy grid's protection before next winter.
The Minister of Energy announced that a meeting of the energy "Ramstein" will take place in March. The European Union has allocated 920 million euros to support Ukraine.
During the repair period of 'Druzhba', oil supplies to Slovakia and Hungary will be carried out via an alternative route through Croatia.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced three areas of support for Ukraine, including a 90 billion euro loan for defense needs. The EU will also provide 100 million euros for energy and has developed a winter plan for 920 million euros.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Ukraine is on the right path to EU membership. She noted the high pace of reforms, despite the war, but did not name specific dates for accession.
The European Commission plans to submit a legal proposal for a permanent ban on Russian oil imports on April 15. This will happen after the parliamentary elections in Hungary, so as not to influence the election campaign.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy's spokesperson announced two events planned for the 4th anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and leaders of the Nordic-Baltic Eight arrived in Kyiv. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha welcomed them in the capital.
In response to EU plans to close entry for participants in the war against Ukraine, Dmitry Medvedev stated that they could enter without visas, as in 1812 and 1945. Earlier, Kaja Kallas announced work on banning hundreds of thousands of former Russian military personnel from entering the Schengen area.
The recovery of Ukraine's economy over the next decade is estimated at $588 billion. This amount is 12% higher than the previous estimate due to the increasing destruction from the war.
Russia destroyed the Druzhba oil pipeline, and Ukraine has committed to repairing it, independently determining the timelines. A meeting of the oil coordination group to assess the situation will take place on February 25.
Hungary threatens to block the EU's support package for Ukraine, including a €90 billion loan, due to disputes over energy supplies. This could leave Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa without EU solutions for Ukraine during their visit on the anniversary of the war.
The European Union is urging the US to adhere to trade agreements following a court decision that blocked some of Trump's tariffs. The European Commission is demanding clarity on future policy due to concerns about tariff increases.
