Zelensky approves composition of Ukrainian delegation to accession talks with EU

MOSCOW. June 24 (Interfax) - Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has approved the composition of the national delegation to the accession talks with the European Union led by Deputy Prime Minister, European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Minister Olga Stefanishina.

The order was published on the website of the presidential office, Ukrainian media said.

The delegation includes Presidential Chief of Staff Andrei Yermak, his deputy Igor Zhovkva, Parliament First Deputy Speaker Alexander Korniyenko, Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Ruslan Strelets, and Deputy Energy Minister Svetlana Grinchuk.

Thirty-four negotiators have been assigned in total, the order said. Most delegation members are deputy ministers and first deputy ministers.

State Statistics Service head Igor Verner, Central Bank deputy head Sergei Nikolaichuk and Antimonopoly Committee head Pavel Kirilenko will be taking part in the negotiations, as well.

The order allows the delegation head to adjust the composition of the Ukrainian delegation and to divide duties between its members.

The government was tasked with setting up and approving the composition of working groups to prepare the Ukrainian stance at negotiations with the European Union on the conclusion of the agreement on Ukraine's accession to the EU.

Additionally, the order regulates the approval of directives for negotiations with the European Union.

As reported, EU member states approved the framework of accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova on June 21. The negotiations are due to begin on Tuesday, June 25.