European Commission, Ukrainian presidents discuss military assistance, prospect of Ukraine's entry into EU

BRUSSELS. May 28 (Interfax) - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she had discussed the European Union's support for Ukraine and the prospect of Ukraine's entry into the EU in a phone call with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky on Wednesday.

"Air defense and drone and counter-drone capabilities are among Europe's most urgent defense priorities. And Ukraine will be fully integrated into these efforts," von der Leyen said on X.

This year, the EU will disburse 28.3 billion euros from a loan "to help cover Ukraine's military needs," she said.

"We also spoke about Ukraine's path to EU membership. The coming weeks will be important to take decisive steps forward in the accession process," von der Leyen said.

Euractiv said earlier on Wednesday, citing a senior official from the European Commission, the European Commission would propose on June 16 that the General Affairs Council open the first of six clusters negotiating Ukraine's admission to the European Union.