"Russia Will Never Succeed," Emphasizes Support Willingness
Evacuated During Meeting Amid Odessa Missile Strike
[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Charles Michel, the President of the European Union (EU) Summit, made a surprise visit to Odesa, a southern port city in Ukraine where Russian airstrikes continue. It is reported that he even evacuated during the talks due to Russian airstrikes.
According to CNN on the 9th (local time), President Michel visited Odesa and held talks with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. It is reported that they took shelter in an air raid shelter during a missile strike by Russian forces in the middle of the talks. According to the Ukrainian military, while President Michel was visiting, Russian forces launched an airstrike on the Odesa area with four cruise missiles.
AFP quoted a senior EU official who accompanied President Michel, saying, "There was one airstrike during the first meeting with the Prime Minister," and "They continued their conversation sitting face-to-face alone in the shelter," describing the situation at the time.
Afterwards, President Michel continued talks via video conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. President Michel emphasized, "The EU will send as much support as possible in terms of military equipment," and "I am confident that Russia will never succeed." He also promised, "We will mobilize financial support in cooperation with the international community so that Ukraine can begin national reconstruction."
President Zelensky expressed his gratitude to President Michel, who visited his country on the World War II Victory Day. President Zelensky said, "I am grateful for President Michel’s support and for giving Ukraine the possibility to be equal within the EU family," and added, "In this difficult moment of bombings and war, I not only welcome your courageous stance in Odesa and your direct visit but also express my deep thanks."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
