On June 21, Xavier Bettel arrived in Kyiv by Ukrzaliznytsia train (traditionally). The main purpose of the prime minister's visit was to show Luxembourg's support and solidarity toward Ukraine.
"4 months after the start of the war, I am here today to show Luxembourg's support for Ukraine. My message to you, resident Zelenskyy, and to the Ukrainian people, here in Ukraine and to all those seeking refugee in the world, is very clear: Luxembourg stands by your side," the prime minister on Twitter.
One of the 1st activities of Xavier Bettel was a visit to the cities that were under Russian occupation for a month, were destroyed by the Russian army — Makariv, Irpin, Bucha.
"Borondianka has suffered to the point of total destruction by Russian aggression & is today a symbol of senseless cruelty and violence. Nothing can convey the horror of what has happened here," Xavier Bettel.
On the sites of mass graves of Ukrainians in Bucha and Irpen, memorials were made to the inhabitants of these cities and nearby villages who were tortured and killed by Russians. Here Xavier Bettel learned the history of the occupation and de-occupation of cities, the fate of the survivors and the dead, and also saw with his own eyes the burnt ruins on the site of a young and vibrant city.
"I salute the memory of the victims in the "heroic" cities, as the Ukrainians have decided to call them, such as Irpin. I admire the courage of the women and men who are in the process of bringing these cities back to life after the barbarism that took place," the PM concluded.
Later, the prime minister of Luxembourg met with the prime minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.
"It is with immense humbleness, deep respect and great gladness to see my friend Denys Shmyhal. Since the 1st day Russia's war has been ravaging Ukraine we stood by you. With humanitarian, financial & military aid but mostly: in deep friendship and solidarity between our people," Xavier Bettel.
The final point of the diplomatic visit of Xavier Bettel was a meeting and a press conference with Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The presidents discussed Ukraine's European aspirations and Luxembourg's support for our country.
"Luxembourg supports granting Ukraine the candidate status to become a member of the EU. That's also the position I will defend at this week's EUCO. This is an important beacon of hope that the people of Ukraine deserve."
We remind you that all EU countries supported granting Ukraine the status of a candidate member of the European Union.
