The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Burset, arrived on an official visit to Kyiv, where he held a series of meetings with representatives of the Ukrainian government. Burset announced this on his page on X on February 17.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Meetings with Ukrainian Officials
During his stay in Ukraine, Alain Burset met with the Minister for Communities and Territories Development, Oleksiy Kuleba, the Acting Minister of Justice, Lyudmyla Suhak, and the Prime Minister, Yulia Svyrydenko.
The main topic of discussions with Oleksiy Kuleba was support for the reconstruction process in Ukraine. Burset emphasized that the Congress of the Council of Europe is facilitating the establishment of partnerships between Ukrainian communities and cities in Europe to receive technical assistance and “protect people from the devastating consequences of attacks by Russia.”
Support for Reforms and Action Plan for Ukraine
In a conversation with Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, key reforms necessary for the country’s recovery and Ukraine’s integration into the European Union were discussed. According to Burset, reconstruction must occur alongside the implementation of reforms, ensuring transparency and adherence to European standards. He stressed that the Council of Europe will continue to support Ukraine at this crucial stage.
“During the meeting with Prime Minister Svyrydenko, we discussed the reforms that are fundamental to Ukraine’s recovery and its path to the EU. Recovery must go hand in hand with reforms, transparency, and European standards. The Council of Europe will continue to accompany Ukraine on this decisive path,” he stated.
Additionally, during the meeting with Lyudmyla Suhak, Alain Burset raised the issue of the priority areas of the Council of Europe’s “Action for Ukraine” plan for 2027–2030. He confirmed intentions to continue close cooperation in the areas of accountability, protection of the rights of national minorities, and support for children in Ukraine, regardless of their location.
During his visit, Burset also visited a resilience point in Kyiv and expressed support for the Ukrainian people, noting that “it is terrible to witness what Ukrainians are going through.” He emphasized the importance of establishing peace based on justice and accountability, which the Council of Europe strives for.
At this time, Ukrainian officials have not officially commented on the details of the meetings with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. Meanwhile, the State Emergency Service confirmed Burset’s meeting with the head of the SES, Roman Prymush, at the site of the heating points tent camp in Kyiv.