**Ukraine’s President Meets with EU Leaders**
On December 1, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met in Kyiv with two top European Union officials: Antonio Costa, the new President of the European Council, and Kaja Kallas, a top EU diplomat.
This meeting came on the first day of the mandate of the new European Commission. Zelensky discussed “the vision of European and global affairs, current challenges and prospects” with Costa and Kallas.
**Ending the War**
President Zelensky said that peace is the foundation for ending the war in Ukraine. He wrote on X: “We will continue to do everything possible to end this war, which Russia has unleashed not only against Ukraine but also against a united Europe, as soon as possible and to strengthen Europe.”
**EU Support**
The EU officials assured Zelensky of their support for Ukraine. Costa said that the European Union is “hugely impressed” by Ukraine’s progress in carrying out reforms necessary to join the European community during the war.
As accession negotiations continue, certain categories of goods could enter the EU single market as if Ukraine were already a member of the European community, he added. The EU also promised to provide economic, humanitarian, and military assistance to Ukraine, including 4.2 billion euros ($4.4 billion) to support the Ukrainian budget by the end of the year.
**Air Defense Systems**
Zelensky discussed with Kallas the need for air defense systems “to protect lives in Ukraine,” as he wrote on Telegram.
**Tribute to Fallen Soldiers**
The EU representatives, accompanied by Zelensky, visited the Wall of Remembrance near Mykhailivska Square in Kyiv and paid tribute to the fallen Ukrainian soldiers.
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