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EU to Consider Ukraine Membership by June, Official Says
European Council President Charles Michel said he witnessed war crimes in the Ukrainian city of Borodyanka “with his own eyes.”
“There are no words to explain what I feel,” he said during a joint news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. “These are atrocities, these are war crimes.”
“It must be punished. It will be punished,” he added. “They must pay for what they have done there any in many other cities in Ukraine,” including Mariupol and cities in the Donbas.
Michel said the EU will continue to provide humanitarian support and ensure “justice will prevail” to hold those responsible for atrocities in Ukraine accountable.
“There is no peace without justice,” he said.
He said the EU is determined to do everything it can to support Ukraine because “we want the victory of Ukraine.”
Michel said the Ukraine Solidarity Trust Fund established by the EU weeks ago will launch on May 5 and said the EU will work with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to provide necessary funds to Ukraine.
Besides economic support to fund its defense and rebuild its country, Michel promised to continue military support to Ukraine.
The EU will provide an addition 1.5 billion Euros of military equipment to Ukraine, Michel said.
In terms of political support, Michel said he feels “strong support” for Ukraine’s request to join the EU.
“You don’t fight only for the future of Ukraine children, you fight for the European fundamental principles and values,” he said.
He said the EC began considering Ukraine’s request for EU membership immediately, a process that usually takes eight months. The Commission will consider Ukraine’s application by June, Michel added.
Michel also promised to put maximum pressure on Russia and thanked Zelensky for his impressive personal leadership amid this conflict.
SERGEI SUPINSKY/AFP via Getty Images
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