On Monday, June 7, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky had a phone conversation with President of the United States Joe Biden, as was announced by the Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak.
During the conversation, the presidents discussed a number of issues related to Ukrainian-Russian relations as well as global problems.
About the meeting with Putin
In particular, the U.S. President said he would defend Ukraine's sovereignty at a meeting with Putin in Switzerland. Joe Biden reaffirmed the unwavering US support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Additionally, it was noted earlier by the White House that Biden will meet with the Russian president "not despite the disagreements, but because of their existence - a lot needs to be worked on".
About the situation on the border and in Crimea
Volodymyr Zelensky told Joe Biden about the security situation in Donbas and along the Ukrainian border. He emphasized that there was still a high concentration of Russian troops and heavy weapons in the temporarily occupied territories and near the Ukrainian border.
"The so-called withdrawal of Russian troops is only an imitation," the President of Ukraine stressed.
For his part, the US President noted the importance of discussing regional security risks with the President of Ukraine on the eve of important events on security negotiation formats.
Joe Biden supported Volodymyr Zelensky's initiative to create the Crimean Platform. He assured that the United States would be represented at the summit of the initiative at a high political level.
About the Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine
The U.S. President also noted Volodymyr Zelensky's leadership in implementing fundamental reforms in the country aimed at realizing Ukrainian people’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
He assured that Ukraine's position will be taken into account when discussing strategic issues in NATO, as well as during scheduled top-level events. Volodymyr Zelensky stressed the importance of providing the Ukrainian state with a NATO Membership Action Plan.
The leaders exchanged views on strategic cooperation between Ukraine and the United States on the eve of important summits of the G7 and NATO, as well as Joe Biden's scheduled meetings with EU leaders and the President of the Russian Federation.
About Nord Stream 2
The heads of state also touched upon energy security issues. The President of the United States stressed he was against the implementation of the Nord Stream 2 project.
For his part, Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized Joe Biden's attention to the fact that Nord Stream 2 is not an economic project. It poses a serious threat and is a security challenge, and must be viewed in terms of security guarantees for Ukraine, said the President of Ukraine.
About key reforms and Ukrainian Coronavirus response
The Presidents also exchanged views on Ukraine's progress in implementing key reforms. Volodymyr Zelensky spoke about the planned steps to reduce the influence of oligarchs on the life of the country. He stressed that he was interested in the development of big business in Ukraine but without oligarchic interference in politics and the economy.
The President of Ukraine also thanked the United States for providing Ukraine with 900,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
"It will save the lives of many Ukrainians. The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to a strategic partnership with Ukraine," Volodymyr Zelensky said.
Invitation to Washington
During the telephone conversation, Volodymyr Zelensky accepted Joe Biden's invitation to visit the United States in July this year.
President of Ukraine once again thanked his U.S. counterpart on Twitter.
“Thank you @POTUS @JoeBiden for inviting me to visit the @WhiteHouse in July during our phone conversation. I look forward to this meeting to discuss ways to expand strategic cooperation between Ukraine and #USA,” Zelensky tweeted.