EU's Michel visits Kyiv in show of solidarity with Ukraine

"We discussed sanctions against Russia, defence and financial support for our state, and answers to the questionnaire for compliance with EU criteria," Zelenskiy wrote on Twitter. He was referring to a questionnaire that was handed to him by von der Leyen during her visit to the Ukrainian capital and is considered a starting point for Ukraine in its drive for EU membership.

European Council President Charles Michel met Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskiy during a surprise visit to Kyiv on Wednesday intended to show solidarity with Ukraine over Russia's invasion.

Michel's trip followed visits this month to Kyiv by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. "We discussed sanctions against Russia, defence and financial support for our state, and answers to the questionnaire for compliance with EU criteria," Zelenskiy wrote on Twitter.

He was referring to a questionnaire that was handed to him by von der Leyen during her visit to the Ukrainian capital and is considered a starting point for Ukraine in its drive for EU membership. "Thank you for a meaningful meeting and solidarity with the people (of Ukraine)," Zelenskiy wrote.

Zelenskiy has urged Brussels to build on sanctions it has already imposed on Russian and has called on the EU to accept Ukraine as a full member. Michel, the head of the European Council that represents the European Union's 27 member states, said in a tweet after arriving in Ukraine that he was in "the heart of a free and democratic Europe."

Michel also visited the town of Borodianka where Ukraine suspects Russian troops carried out atrocities. Russia has described allegations of atrocities by its troops in Ukraine as fake news. "History will not forget the war crimes that have been committed here," Michel wrote on Twitter. "There can be no peace without justice."