OREANDA-NEWS Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky argues that Kyiv's integration into the European Union will strengthen Europe, that is why the countries of the region should respond positively to Ukraine's aspirations.

Zelensky said that there is a need to make the whole of Europe finally united. He also added: "This is something that both Ukraine and the states of the Western Balkans are equally interested in. The full-fledged European integration of Ukraine, as well as the full-fledged European integration of the states, is a historical strengthening of Europe".

Zelensky once again called for imposing sanctions against Russia, and also said that Europe's security architecture should be based on "liberation" from ties with the Russian Federation. He is sure that security is impossible without this, and it is the same for the north of Europe, and for the south, and for the west, and for the east. At the same time, Zelensky considers the sanctions packages "part of the security architecture on the continent".

On June 17, the European Commission will formulate a recommendation on granting Kyiv the status of a candidate for EU membership, which will be considered by the heads of states and governments of the community on June 23-24.