“It’s always a pleasure and an honour to welcome the President of Ukraine here in Brussels. In a few minutes, we will have an exchange of views following your presentation of the Victory Plan. I have two messages for the people of Ukraine and for you, dear president”, said the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, as he welcomed President Zelenskyy to the headquarters of the institution. “First, we are on your side for as long as it takes, whatever it takes. We know that you need more military support and more financial support. This is urgent. We will see how we can speed up more immediate support for the people of Ukraine from a military and a financial point of view”. Second, “the future of Ukraine is within the EU. In recent months, we have made a lot of progress on both sides. I commend your personal leadership and the way in which you and your team are implementing the needed reforms. We do not underestimate the momentum and can see the difficulties at the geopolitical level. Winter is coming. There is a lot going on everywhere across the world and, more than ever, we need a clear message”. Finally: “Your presence here sends a very powerful political message. We are on the same side, share the same dreams and the same values. We are impressed by the bravery and the courage of the people of Ukraine and by your personal bravery. You can count on the EU”.