UPDATE - European Parliament president declares opening of permanent office in Kyiv

REVISES HEADLINE, SPOT & LEDE, UPDATES WITH INFORMATION ON EP PRESIDENT'S VISIT; EDITS THROUGHOUT

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - European Parliament President Roberta Metsola on Wednesday announced that the body is establishing a permanent office in Ukraine's capital Kyiv.

"We are opening a permanent representation office of the European Parliament here in Kyiv so that we are present on the ground, working alongside you every day," Metsola said in a speech to Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, as part of an official visit.

Saying that she arrived in Kyiv earlier today to further strengthen their bilateral cooperation, Metsola declared that the EP will remain by Ukraine's side until peace is established and until it "takes its rightful place in our European family."

Metsola reaffirmed Europe's position that nothing should be decided about Ukraine without Kyiv's involvement, and its position that a "real" and lasting peace must be established.

"That is why we continue to push for security guarantees and why we are working with our partners to make them real. We are ready, determined, and able. And this is also the message that we have sent to our partners in the United States," she added.

Metsola went on to say the EU has already mobilized €169 billion ($200 billion) in support of Ukraine, including €63 billion in military support, but that they know they need to do more to keep delivering the financial support Kyiv needs.

"At the same time, we are keeping up the pressure on Russia. We expect the 19th package of sanctions to be adopted very soon, and we are coordinating closely with our allies to ensure maximum impact," she said.

She also said joining the EU is a security guarantee in itself, and that they are moving forward together on this.

- Ukraine parliament head: Our path to EU membership is confident and consistent

Commenting on the EP opening a permanent office in Kyiv, Verkhovna Rada Chair Ruslan Stefanchuk wrote on X that the decision carries great importance as it will deepen cooperation between Kyiv and Brussels, among other benefits.

"The European Parliament is getting even closer to Ukraine — and this is confirmed: our path to EU membership is confident and consistent," he said, adding that he had received the protocol on the opening of the office in Kyiv.

Earlier this month, Stefanchuk wrote on X that he invited Metsola to the Ukrainian capital, her first visit to Kyiv since being reelected last year, saying it would be an “important symbol of solidarity with Ukraine.”

Stefanchuk’s statement came after meeting the EP president during the G7 Parliamentary Summit in Ottawa, Canada's capital, earlier this month.