According to Akkerman, Ukrainians are happy that the European summit went to Kiev. “They say it shows that the EU has faith in Ukraine,” Akkerman said. “It also gives confidence that they feel safe enough in Ukraine to travel there in times of war.”
Ukraine also receives support from the message of solidarity conveyed by the visit. “Show the outside world and Russia that there is unity, that there is solidarity from the West,” she continues. “This is very important.”
Economy
Yesterday, the President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission announced that a new aid package of 450 million euros will be introduced, which also bodes well for the Ukrainians. “All of Ukraine’s money currently goes to the front and everything to do with the military,” Akkerman said. “Volunteers, equipment, you name it. So the money is badly needed to rebuild Ukraine.’ He points out that cities like Boetsja have been torn apart and that pressure needs to be stepped up to create housing again.
According to Akkerman, it is good for the Ukrainians that the West “sees them again”. Since 2014, when the war with Ukraine actually started with the annexation of Crimea, the Ukrainian people have had the idea that they are alone: ”But since 2022 Ukraine has been heard.”
Satisfying
Akkerman says there is mostly gratitude among Ukrainians. The role of the Netherlands is also frequently mentioned. “They see the deployment of a small country that’s on the front lines of the war, and it opens up the F-16 debate,” he says. The bosses of US President Joe Biden and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also adorn billboards in Ukraine, Akkerman knows.
Live Blog | The EU pledges €450 million in aid to Ukraine
Membership
But where Ukrainians feel gratitude, nothing would bring more joy than joining the European Union. Something that Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky thinks he is on the right track, even if Akkerman talks about a split. “They want to support Ukraine, but at the same time criticize the level of corruption in the country,” he says. According to Akkerman, Zelensky is well aware of this corruption and is doing everything possible to fight it. This can help him in his desire to join.
“You have to meet certain conditions to become a member of the EU,” he continues. “Independent rule of law, rule of law, Ukraine must introduce these kind of conditions and by that it can limit the power of the oligarchs.”