Zelenskyy on Thursday and the government via livestream, calling on Luxembourg for continued support and to help implement tougher sanctions on Russia.

During his speech he also invited Bettel and speaker of the house Fernand Etgen (both DP), the president of the Chamber of Deputies, to visit Kyiv.

“I always said I wouldn’t invite myself to Ukraine,” Bettel said following the address, which was delivered to a packed chamber. “We will fix a date and I will go to Ukraine. If the Ukrainians say it’s important for them that I come, then I’ll go.”

A number of EU leaders have visited Ukraine in the nearly 100 days since Russia launched its attack. These include European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, council chief Charles Michel and European Parliament president Roberta Metsola but also national officials, such as the prime ministers of Poland, Slovenia and the Czech Republic.

A date for Bettel’s visit has not yet been set.

The invitation came amid pledges from Bettel and lawmakers that Luxembourg would continue to support Ukraine in its fight against the Russian aggression. Defence minister François Bausch (déi Gréng) said that military aid has surpassed €50m and could rise to €70m depending on how long the war continues.

Ukraine supplies Luxembourg with lists of materiel most needed and the grand duchy foots the bill, Bausch explained. Zelenskyy in his address had thanked Luxembourg for its unbureaucratic approach to delivering help. Bettel, too, said he wants to uphold contact to find the most effective and efficient ways of supporting the country.

Scores of people had gathered outside the Chamber of Deputies on Thursday morning, waving Ukrainian flags and holding banners condemning Russian president Vladimir Putin and the war against Ukraine. More than 5,500 from Ukraine have sought temporary protection in Luxembourg.