UPDATE - Ukrainian president discusses ongoing war with European leaders

UPDATES WITH REMARKS BY UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT; EDITS THROUGHOUT

By Ali Murat Alhas and Jeyhun Aliyev

ANKARA (AA) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday met with the leaders of Germany, Italy, France, and Romania in the capital Kyiv and discussed the ongoing war with Russia.

“Busy day. Important meetings,” Zelenskyy said on his Telegram account. “Pleased to meet President of France Emmanuel Macron, Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz, Prime Minister of Italy Mario Draghi and President of Romania Klaus Iohannis in Kyiv!”

“We appreciate your solidarity with our country and people,” he added.

Zelenskyy on Facebook stressed that their "key strength and most effective weapon" is unification.

"Ukrainians today are on the frontline of the fight against Russian attacks. But they're not alone. And this is confirmed by today's visit of Emmanuel Macron, Olaf Scholz, Mario Draghi and Klaus Iohannis to Kyiv."

During the meeting, the leaders discussed the continuation and strengthening of Ukraine's defense, economic support for Ukraine, and post-war reconstruction, as well as counteraction to the food crisis and further sanctions pressure on Russia, he added.

"Particular attention was paid to the future of Europe and the European integration of our country," the Ukrainian president noted.

Zelenskyy also thanked Macron, Scholz, Draghi, and Iohannis for the negotiations, noting that they are preparing for "new important decisions to strengthen Ukraine and strengthen security in Europe."

After talks, the leaders addressed a joint news conference.