Zelenskyy Calls For 11th Sanctions Package As VdL Visits Kyiv

Wires carrying comments from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Kyiv. Says that he and VdL 'discussed decisions in defence, integration and Russsia sanctions'. Says that he expects an 11th package of Russia sanctions soon.

• VdL: “The focus now is on tight implementation of the sanctions and taking action to avoid circumvention. We are determined to close existing loopholes. No one should doubt that,’’. From EU officials and member states the indication at present seems to be more on making sure existing sanctions work effectively rather than imposing a new package that might not get unanimous approval within the EU.
• Zelenskyy adds that he is 'grateful for European decision to provide one million artillery shells. Says he 'expects EU summit in June will yield [a] positive appraisal of Ukraine's integration process.
• On the restrictions implemented on Ukrainian grain by the country's EU neighbours Zelenskyy calls them 'harsh' and 'protectionist'. Says that they are 'absolutely unacceptable' as they strengthen the aggressor. Proposes a working group to monitor and discuss the restrictions. Says that he expects 'strong European decisions' to remove the restrictions.