Ukrainian FM hails Poland's EU presidency: 'We count on Polish leadership'

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has welcomed the start of Poland's presidency of the European Union, voicing hope for Warsaw's leadership and determination.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

Photo: Mfa.gov.ua, CC BY 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Poland took over the rotating six-month presidency of the 27-nation bloc on Wednesday, aiming to focus on bolstering security and defence, as well as maintaining steadfast support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's ongoing invasion.

Ukraine relies on Poland's leadership during EU presidency – Sybihahttps://t.co/aTM56IrQyV

— Ukrinform-EN (@Ukrinform_News) January 1, 2025

"As friendly Poland begins its second presidency of the Council of the EU, we count on Polish leadership, principled stance, and decisiveness," Sybiha said in a post on X.

As friendly Poland begins its second @EUCouncil Presidency, we count on Polish leadership, principled stance, and decisiveness. I wish every success to the @POLAND25EU in strengthening Europe. I look forward to working closely with @sikorskiradek to advance the EU-Ukraine agenda.

— Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 (@andrii_sybiha) January 1, 2025

"I wish every success to the Polish presidency in strengthening Europe," he wrote, adding that he looked forward to working closely with Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski "to advance the EU-Ukraine agenda."

🎆 Happy New Year 2025! 🎆

As Poland takes on the presidency of the @EUCouncil, we are ready for the next 6 months of collaboration, innovation, and shared achievements. Together, we will work toward a safer, stronger, and more united Europe 🇪🇺#Poland25eu pic.twitter.com/RCnTSRq3oY

— Polish presidency of the Council of the EU (@POLAND25EU) January 1, 2025

Sybiha also said in his message on New Year's Day that Ukraine was waiting for new initiatives to strengthen military support for Kyiv and to increase "sanctions pressure" on Moscow.

He declared that Ukraine was aiming for a dynamic EU accession process.

We anticipate new initiatives to strengthen military support for Ukraine and sanctions pressure on the aggressor. We aim for a dynamic process of Ukraine's EU accession, including the opening of Cluster 1 and other clusters based on the results of the screening process.

— Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 (@andrii_sybiha) January 1, 2025

Poland's EU presidency in the first half of 2025 will prioritise ensuring stable support for Kyiv and advancing new EU sanctions against Russia in response to its war against Ukraine, officials have said.

👋 Welcome 🇵🇱 Poland @POLAND25EU, which has just taken over the Council presidency. It's going to be an exciting six months!#Poland25eu pic.twitter.com/sVrc5TFo2f

— EU Council (@EUCouncil) January 1, 2025

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Source: IAR, PAP, ukrinform.net