Ukraine and the European Union should consolidate international pressure on the aggressor state and strengthen the sanctions policy, first and foremost, in order to liberate Ukrainian sailors and military vessels, as well as to restore freedom of navigation in the Sea of Azov. This was stated during a meeting of Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman with the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini. The negitiations took place within the framework of a working visit of the Head of Government to the Kingdom of Belgium.

"We praise the readiness of our European partners to support Ukraine amid new Russian aggression in the Azov and Black Seas. That is why consolidation of international pressure and strengthening of sanctions against the Russian Federation are needed, first of all, with the purpose of liberating 24 Ukrainian sailors and three military vessels captured by Russia. Moscow has crossed the line. The European Union response to Russia's aggression in the Azov Sea should be comprehensive and more sharp ", Volodymyr Groysman underscored.

In turn, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy stressed that Brussels will support Ukraine, and the recent decision of the European Council to prolong sanctions against Russia confirms this position.

During the talks, the parties also touched on the progress of the reforms in Ukraine and the further guidelines of the Government's economic policy, as well as discussed a number of anti-corruption measures, first of all, the full launch of the work of the Anti-Corruption Court.

Following the negotiations, the Head of Government and the EU High Representative took part in the ceremony of signing of a series of international agreements.

In particular, the Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the European Commission on the financing of the EE4U-II. Energy Efficiency Support Program for Ukraine, the Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the European Commission on the financing of the Technical Cooperation Program 2018, the Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the European Commission EU4Skills: Best Skills for Modern Ukraine, Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the European Commission on the financing of the action People to People Contacts Programme: House of Europe.

The documents envisage the implementation of energy conservation policies, the strengthening of the institutional capacity of the Ukrainian authorities, the promoting of the effectiveness of reforms in the field of vocational education in Ukraine, and the professional exchange for short-term professional training in EU member states.