Bettel had visited the country after being invited by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky. Accompanied by Emine Dzhaparova, he visited Borodianka, Bucha and Irpin, where an exhibition about the country, as well as a ceremony to remember children lost to the Russian attacks were held.
During the visit, Bettel reiterated Luxembourg’s support towards the country during a meeting with Zelensky too. The grand duchy so far has provided Ukrainian forces €50m in military aid, with 100 anti-tank weapons, jeeps and 15 military tents. Luxembourg to a collective €250m aid package from the European Union, in addition to the €3m pledged by
The subject of Ukraine’s candidacy to join the EU as a member state was also brought up, with the Luxembourg prime minister stating, according to a press release: “As we know, there is no ‘fast track’ to EU membership. With candidate status, a long process begins. We simply cannot ignore the acquis communautaire and the Copenhagen criteria-- rule of law; respect for fundamental rights; a functioning market economy.”
And though he acknowledges that “the challenges are substantial”, he assures that the grand duchy will continue to support Ukraine during its war and reconstruction.