Ukrainian president meets France's visiting foreign minister

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

ANKARA (AA) - Arms assistance, sanctions against Russia, and EU membership were on the agenda in a meeting on Monday with France's visiting foreign minister, Ukraine's president said.

The visit by Catherine Colonna to Ukraine "is another manifestation of support for our state," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Telegram after the meeting in Kyiv.

"We count on France's leadership in our fight against the Russian aggressor and in defending European values."

"Assistance in armaments, strengthening sanctions and bringing our country closer to EU membership are important for Ukraine's victory," Zelenskyy said.

According to the Ukrainian Presidency, "special attention" was paid during their meeting on the issue of unblocking Ukrainian ports in order to "prevent the global food crisis."

The parties also stressed the need to introduce the EU's sixth package of sanctions against Russia "as soon as possible," the Presidency said in a statement.