[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to visit Brussels, Belgium, on the 9th (local time) to attend a special European Union (EU) summit, foreign media reported consecutively on the 6th.
The Italian daily 'La Stampa' cited EU sources on the same day, reporting that President Zelensky is expected to visit Brussels on the 9th. It is known that he will deliver a speech at the European Parliament prior to attending the EU summit.
When Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, was asked about Zelensky's visit, she responded, "I cannot confirm," but EU sources said preparations for Zelensky's speech are already underway.
A spokesperson for Charles Michel, President of the EU Summit, stated, "We have publicly invited President Zelensky to visit Brussels at any time."
Barend Leyts, an EU spokesperson, tweeted, "Charles Michel, President of the EU Summit, has invited President Zelensky to attend the upcoming EU summit in person," adding, "No further information will be provided for security reasons."
As of the afternoon of the same day, neither the EU nor Ukraine has issued an official statement regarding the reports.
La Stampa noted that Zelensky's plans appear to be kept confidential to maintain security, as a leak could make the visit difficult.
If President Zelensky visits Brussels this time, it will be his first visit since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 last year. Including his visit to the United States in December last year, it will be his second overseas trip since the outbreak of the war.
Ukraine officially applied for EU membership after the Russian invasion and received candidate status in June last year. President Zelensky, who hopes to join as a full member of the EU, is expected to urge member states to begin accession negotiations and appeal for support during this visit.
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