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Day: September 17, 2025
Kyiv – European Parliament President Roberta Metsola visited Kyiv on September 17, 2025, to hold discussions with senior Ukrainian officials on accession efforts, sanctions against Russia, and related topics, reports 24brussels.
Upon her arrival, Ukraine’s Parliament Speaker, Ruslan Stefanchuk, welcomed Metsola, marking her fourth visit since the onset of the full-scale conflict in 2022. “1,300 days since the start of the aggression, I am in Ukraine with (the European Parliament’s) strong message of support,” Metsola noted on social media.
The visit comes at a critical time as Ukraine urges Western allies to adopt more forceful measures against Russia, especially through stricter sanctions aimed at facilitating peace talks. During her trip, Metsola will officially inaugurate a new European Parliament office in Kyiv, established following damage to the EU’s delegation building from recent Russian bombardments.
Metsola is scheduled to meet with top officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, and Rada Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk. A spokesperson indicated that she will articulate the European Parliament’s demands for enduring peace, enforce stronger sanctions against Russia, foster increased parliamentary collaboration, and expedite Ukraine’s EU membership application.
What role will the new European Parliament office in Kyiv play?
Earlier this week, the European Parliament adopted a resolution advocating for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and urging the European Commission to initiate the first round of accession talks with Kyiv. Although the Commission is in favor of commencing negotiations, the process faces delays due to actions by Hungary’s government, which is perceived as the EU’s most pro-Russian entity.
What earlier visits has Metsola made to Ukraine?
Metsola has previously visited Ukraine three times since the escalation of Russian aggression in 2022. One significant visit occurred on May 9, 2024, coinciding with Europe Day, as a demonstration of solidarity with Ukraine.