Remarks by President Donald Tusk after his meeting with Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman

My dear friends,

This is probably my last visit to Ukraine as head of the European Council. I am proud to have been able to cooperate with you in a spirit of common interests and values. I will remain your friend and ally no matter where the future may take me.

Over the years I have tried to support Ukraine in Europe and Europe in Ukraine. Your courage and determination have won the respect and recognition of many Europeans, and today there are more and more allies to the Ukrainian cause among them.

In my eyes, you are all heroes. That is how I saw you during the Revolution of Dignity at Maidan, defending your sovereignty and integrity, building a modern state with democratic standards. Despite the poverty that still exists in many places, despite the suffering caused by the war, despite the difficult reforms - you have endured. The European Union should be proud and grateful to have such a partner.

I have done my best to speed up the process of Ukraine’s integration with the rest of Europe. Not everything worked out; I was not always as successful as I wanted to be.

Forgive me, my friends. But we also have many reasons to be content. You, the Ukrainian people, certainly have nothing to be ashamed of.

There are some in Brussels who branded me a pro‑Ukraine maniac. They often said it right to my face. To be honest, I’m very proud of that epithet.

You will always be able to count on me.

(delivered in Ukrainian)