Photo from UNIAN

Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman has said Ukraine and the European Union should consolidate international pressure on the aggressor state, Russia, and step up the sanctions policy, first and foremost, in order to liberate Ukrainian sailors and navy vessels, as well as to restore free navigation in the Sea of Azov.

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"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 tougher sanctions against the Russian Federation are needed, first of all, with the purpose of liberating the 24 Ukrainian sailors and three military vessels captured by Russia. Moscow has crossed the red line. The European Union's response to Russian aggression in the Sea of Azov should be comprehensive and more resolute," Groysman said at a meeting with High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini during his working visit to Belgium, according to the Ukrainian government's portal.

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In turn, Mogherini stressed that Brussels would support Ukraine, and the recent decision of the European Council to prolong sanctions against Russia confirms this position.

Following the negotiations, Groysman and Mogherini took part in a ceremony of signing a number 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 facility Program for the Facilitation of Contacts among People: the House of Europe.

The documents envisage measures to pursue energy conservation policies, strengthen the institutional capacity of the Ukrainian authorities, promote the effectiveness of vocational education reforms in Ukraine, and arrange short-term professional training in EU member states.