Mission of Ukraine to the EU

19/06/2026

🇺🇦 🇪🇺 On 18 June, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of the European Council António Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen ahead of the European Council meeting.

The Head of State thanked them for their support and assistance and emphasized that it is important to open the remaining five negotiating clusters for Ukraine’s accession to the European Union in the near future. The parties exchanged views on the timeline for the next steps and coordinated their positions.

The President noted that our country expects to receive the first tranche from the EU financial support package soon, so that it can strengthen its defense.

The leaders discussed in detail security cooperation and work with the European Union on an agreement in the Drone Deal format. The Head of State emphasized that the agreement could cover the procurement of Ukrainian defense products, air defense, counter-drone capabilities, unmanned maritime systems, and other priority areas of security.

They also discussed defense support for Ukraine and meeting current needs to strengthen air defense and protect people from Russian ballistic missiles.

🇺🇦 🇪🇺 President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also participated in the European Council meeting in Brussels.

According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the most important such step is an accelerated path for Ukraine’s accession to the EU. Our country is ready to carry out the necessary reforms. The Head of State emphasized that the opening of the first negotiating cluster with the European Union on June 15 was a historic decision, and the remaining clusters must also be opened in the near future.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that all partners recognize Ukraine’s strong position and see that the Russian leader does not want to stop his war. Despite this, Ukraine is ready for negotiations with him.

European partners understand Ukraine’s air defense needs, as Russia continues its aerial terror. Joint work, initiated by our country, will also continue to ensure that Europe has its own anti-ballistic capabilities.

In addition, funds are needed for contracts for Ukrainian warriors. Long-term guarantees of financing for our army are an important security factor for all of Europe.

According to the Head of State, it is important that the funds of the European Peace Facility have been unblocked – €6 billion. They must be used for air defense, long-range shells, and other capabilities that are already proving their effectiveness. Another important area is protecting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure ahead of winter.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that sanctions against Russia for this war must be strengthened, and pressure must be increased on all types of Russian energy resources and their exports, as well as on the tankers transporting Russian oil and oil products.

The Head of State also called for giving new momentum to the Coalition of the Willing. The President is convinced that only all these decisive steps will help diplomacy work.

18/06/2026

16/06/2026

On June 15, the Mission of Ukraine to the EU, together with the Scottish Government EU Office, had the pleasure of opening the exhibition “Symbols of Identity” – an international artistic project presenting a contemporary collection of hand block-printed Ukrainian vybiika rushnyks created across the world.

🎨 The exhibition brought together 30 rushnyks simultaneously created in 22 countries, reinterpreting Ukrainian cultural traditions and symbols through the ancient technique of vybiika - a traditional textile printing technique and one of the oldest methods of decorating fabric.

💬 In her opening remarks, Deputy Head of Mission of Ukraine to the EU Oksana Diakun referred to recent Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s cultural heritage, including UNESCO-protected sites, which form part of a systematic campaign aimed at erasing Ukrainian history and identity.

📌 “Missiles can destroy buildings and damage museums, but they cannot destroy a cultural tradition. The intangible heritage that has been created, preserved, and passed down through generations continues to live in the hands of Ukrainians in Ukraine and around the world. And this is where projects such as ‘Symbols of Identity’ play an important role”.

Martin Johnson spoke about Scotland’s tradition of producing fabrics and textiles, including the development of the Paisley pattern and the history and modern evolution of Harris Tweed.The exhibition also featured samples of traditional Scottish textiles, showcasing the richness of the country’s textile heritage and its contemporary interpretations.

🖌️ The opening also featured an interactive workshop, where each participant had the opportunity to create their own vybiika print, taking home a piece of Ukrainian tradition they had crafted themselves.

🙏 We extend our sincere gratitude to our co-organisers and partners – the Scottish Government EU Office, the Director of Scotland House Brussels Martin Johnson, the curator of the exhibition Karina Gaeva, all participating, and everyone whose dedication and commitment made this remarkable project possible.

The "Symbols of Identity" project was initiated and authored by the NGO "Symbols of Identity" Art Association (Shuivan Vika, Volodymyr Buryi, and Volodymyr Petrashyk), together with the Head of the Organization, Karina Haieva.

15/06/2026

Today in Luxembourg, at the Intergovernmental Conference, Cluster 1 was formally opened for Ukraine and Moldova – marking the launch of the first stage of accession negotiations and the backbone of the entire EU integration process ⭐️

This decision reflects recognition of Ukraine’s sustained reform efforts and its commitment to aligning with the EU’s core values, including the rule of law, democratic governance, and strong institutions, even in the face of Russia's ongoing aggression and terror.

The decision follows the unanimous approval by all 27 EU Member States.

Together, we are moving closer to building of a stronger, safer, and more united European future. Ukraine stands with the EU 🇺🇦🇪🇺

15/06/2026

Russia’s overnight attack on Kyiv struck one of the greatest holy sites of Christianity and a UNESCO World Heritage site – the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra.

A fire covering approximately 800 square meters broke out on the roof of the Dormition Cathedral after the attack. Emergency crews continue to work at the site.

The damage occurred during a massive Russian assault on Kyiv that killed at least four people and injured dozens more. The strike also caused a fire at a building of the Mystetskyi Arsenal National Cultural, Arts and Museum Complex, where flames spread across about 1,000 square meters.

Targeting the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra is an unforgivable attack on Ukraine’s cultural and spiritual heritage and on a site of outstanding value to humanity. We expect a strong response from the international community.

💬 "We will be urgently initiating all relevant procedures within UNESCO and all other international mechanisms, demanding immediate and adequate responses to this state barbarism.

We expect strong reactions by international institutions and capitals. No vague words, silence, or weak steps. We need action now to stop Russian barbarism," Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha has stressed.

12/06/2026

🇺🇦🇪🇺 Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha welcomed the unanimous approval by all 27 EU Member States of the European Union’s Position on Negotiation Cluster 1 for Ukraine at today’s COREPER meeting.

💬 “I am grateful to the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU, the European Commission, and all EU Member States for their leadership, unity, and continued support for Ukraine’s EU accession.

This decision recognizes Ukraine’s reform efforts and demonstrates the EU’s commitment to a credible and merit-based enlargement process.

We now look ahead to the Intergovernmental Conference in Luxembourg on June 15, where Cluster 1 is expected to be formally opened for Ukraine. We remain focused on delivering reforms and advancing the accession process at a steady pace.
Together, we are bringing the reunification of Europe closer and building a stronger, more secure, and more united European future”, the Minister stressed.

12/06/2026

🇺🇦🇪🇺 Today all 27 EU Member States unanimously approved EU position on Cluster 1 at COREPER.

We are grateful to Cypriot Presidency, European Commission, and Member States for their strong support for Ukraine’s EU path.

Looking ahead to the Luxembourg IGC on 15 June to open Cluster 1.

✨Країни-члени ЄС схвалили довгоочікуване рішення про відкриття Кластера 1 у переговорах про вступ України до Європейського Союзу.

➡️Це важливий етап на нашому шляху до членства та результат великої спільної роботи Президента України, Уряду, Верховної Ради, громадянського суспільства та наших європейських партнерів.

💬«Для України процес вступу в ЄС – це реформи, які зміцнюють державу вже сьогодні, роблять її більш стійкою, прозорою та ефективною. Саме тому розширення Європейського Союзу залишається інвестицією у безпеку, стабільність та добробут усієї Європи. Щиро вдячний усім державам-членам ЄС за підтримку та єдність, а також головуванню Кіпру за лідерство й наполегливу роботу на цьому етапі переговорного процесу», – наголосив Тарас Качка.

Віцепремʼєр підкреслив, що ми не зупиняємося. Україна готова рухатися далі та очікує на відкриття наступних переговорних кластерів уже найближчим часом.

☝️Європейське майбутнє України стає дедалі ближчим завдяки конкретним рішенням, конкретним реформам і спільній роботі.

Працюємо далі🇪🇺🇺🇦

Офіс Президента України Юлія Свириденко Кабінет Міністрів України Верховна Рада України
European Union in Ukraine Mission of Ukraine to the EU Урядовий офіс координації європейської та євроатлантичної інтеграції

05/06/2026

🟡 3 червня Представництво України при ЄС взяло участь у заході «Lessons for a Brave World: How to Live, Work, and Create in Times of Uncertainty», організованому Goethe-Institut та програмою House of Europe у Європейському Парламенті, щодо ролі культури як чинника суспільної стійкості та підтримки українських культурних і креативних індустрій в умовах повномасштабної агресії РФ проти України.

📖 У рамках заходу відбулася презентація книги, яка об’єднала 32 історії про досвід життя, праці, творчості та відповідального лідерства в умовах безпрецедентних викликів війни.

Особливу цінність дискусії надала участь героїв видання, які прибули до Брюсселя та представили власний досвід роботи у сфері культури під час війни. Представники українських культурних і креативних індустрій поділилися практиками підтримки культурного життя громад, збереження та відновлення культурної спадщини, розвитку нових творчих проєктів і міжнародної співпраці попри щоденні виклики, спричинені російською агресією.

💬 У своєму виступі Представник України при ЄС посол Всеволод Ченцов наголосив:
«Сьогодні культура в Україні виконує значно ширшу місію, ніж збереження мистецьких традицій. Вона є одним із ключових елементів нашої стійкості, важливим інструментом захисту національної ідентичності та невід’ємною складовою боротьби за наше майбутнє. Попри повномасштабну війну РФ, українські митці, культурні менеджери та фахівці зі збереження спадщини продовжують творити, розвивати культурний простір і захищати те, що формує українську націю».

🇪🇺 Представник України при ЄС також відзначив вагому підтримку Європейського Союзу у зміцненні спроможності українського культурного сектору, відновленні культурної спадщини, а також розвитку міжнародних партнерств у сфері культури.

📌 З 2022 року Європейська Комісія спрямувала понад 50 млн євро на підтримку культурного сектору України. Одним із ключових інструментів такої підтримки стала програма Creative Europe, яка надала додаткові можливості для українських культурних та креативних індустрій, а також для фахівців, вимушено переміщених через російську агресію.

🤝 Висловлюємо щиру вдячність депутату Європейського Парламенту Гельмуту Бранштеттеру за підтримку проведення заходу, Goethe-Institut, програмі House of Europe та всім партнерам, які послідовно підтримують українську культуру, сприяють збереженню нашої культурної спадщини та допомагають українським творчим спільнотам вистояти й розвиватися в умовах війни.

04/06/2026

On 2 June, the Mission of Ukraine to the European Union participated in an important discussion at the European Parliament on the future of Temporary Protection for Ukrainians and the role of Ukrainian women in Europe’s economies and societies.

The event brought together representatives of EU institutions, Ukrainian authorities, and civil society for two panel discussions.

💬 The Head of the Mission of Ukraine to the EU Vsevolod Chentsov noted: "As Europe considers the next steps beyond temporary protection, maintaining a coordinated and sustainable approach remains essential. Looking ahead, Ukraine welcomes efforts aimed at ensuring a coordinated transition from temporary protection, including initiatives related to voluntary return and reintegration, as well as the development of the Unity Hubs network across Europe."

📌 The Ambassador also emphasized that protection for Ukrainians, especially women, children, and other vulnerable groups, must be further extended, as, unfortunately, Russia shows no willingness to end the war, instead intensifying its attacks and continuing the indiscriminate shelling of Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure.

🤝 We were pleased to join distinguished speakers, including Ilona Havronska, Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine for European Integration; Corinna Ullrich (DG HOME); Sebastião Bugalho (MEP), Pekka Toveri (MEP), Marit Maij (MEP); Josephine Liebl (ECRE); Elena Višnar Malinovská (DG ENEST); Alberto-Horst Neidhardt (European Policy Centre); Malin Crona (Beredskapslyftet); Myroslava Keryk (Ukrainian House Foundation, Poland) and Iryna Papusha (Women Leaders for Ukraine).

🙏 Our sincere gratitude to the European Parliament, and personally to MEP Paulo do Nascimento Cabral, for organizing this event, as well as to the European Commission, EU Member States, and international partners for their continued support for the Ukrainian people, including through the Temporary Protection mechanism, in the face of Russia’s war of aggression against our country.

04/06/2026

On 3 June, Ambassador Vsevolod Chentsov, Head of the Mission of Ukraine to the EU, participated in the panel discussion “Integrating a Country at War: the Mutually Reinforcing Guarantees of Security and Democracy in Ukraine”, organized by TEPSA The Trans European Policy Studies Association and Carnegie Europe as part of the INVIGORATEU Academy on EU Enlargement.

💬 During the discussion, Ambassador Chentsov emphasized that EU enlargement is no longer merely a technical process but a strategic investment in Europe’s security, resilience, and future.

📌 A key message of his intervention was clear: Ukraine is not a security consumer — Ukraine is a security provider. While defending its sovereignty against Russia’s aggression, Ukraine is also defending European values and contributing directly to Europe’s security through its extensive experience in military defense, cyber security, protection of critical infrastructure, countering disinformation, and advancing defense technologies.

The Ambassador underscored that security and democracy are not competing priorities but mutually reinforcing ones. Despite the challenges of full-scale war, Ukraine continues to advance reforms and align with EU standards, demonstrating that the accession process remains a powerful driver of democratic transformation.

🇪🇺 Addressing the path toward membership, Ambassador Chentsov stressed that accession should be understood as a process rather than a single event. Ukraine’s integration into the EU should progress along three parallel tracks: accession negotiations, domestic reforms, and practical integration into EU policies, programs, and security structures.

He also highlighted that Ukraine’s recovery and EU accession are not separate agendas but one strategic project, with every reform strengthening recovery and every recovery effort bringing Ukraine closer to the European Union.

🤝 Concluding the discussion, Ambassador Chentsov noted that Ukraine’s accession is not only about Ukraine’s future. It is a strategic choice for Europe itself — a choice for greater security, democracy, resilience, and unity. The deeper Ukraine is integrated into Europe’s political, economic, and security structures today, the stronger Europe will be tomorrow.