Readout of the telephone conversation between President Charles Michel and President of Ukraine

A phone call between the President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy took place on Thursday 15 April 2021.

President Charles Michel expressed deep concern with regard to the large ongoing build-up of Russian military forces on Ukraine's border and in illegally-annexed Crimea. Such large-scale military movements represent threatening and destabilizing activities.

The President of the European Council conveyed the EU's unwavering support to Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity in its internationally recognised borders. The EU is united in its solidarity with Ukraine.

President Michel reiterated his call on Russia to uphold the OSCE principles and commitments on transparency of military movements.

He also recalled the EU's full support to efforts in the Normandy Format and the Trilateral Contact Group and called for the full implementation of the Minsk Agreements as the way forward towards a lasting settlement.

The ministers of Foreign Affairs of the EU will exchange views on Ukraine on Monday. The ministers will also hold an informal exchange with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba.

President Michel reiterated his thanks for President Zelenskyy 's invitation to the Crimea Platform Summit planned on 23 August, which he accepted during his visit to Ukraine on 2 March. President Michel looks forward to attending.