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Added on the 14/12/2023 10:35:10 - Copyright : AFPTV - First images
Hungarian President Viktor Orban "has no reason to block Ukrainian membership in the European Union," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says on the eve of an EU summit where the issue was to be discussed. "I asked him to tell me one reason why. Not three, not five, not 10. Tell me one reason," Zelensky says of his talks with Orban. "I'm waiting for (an) answer," he tells reporters in Oslo where he is meeting with five Nordic leaders. SOUNDBITE
The United States says it's concerned by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing to discuss Ukraine. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby says the trip "certainly doesn't seem to be productive in terms of trying to get things done in Ukraine," adding: "It's concerning." SOUNDBITE
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal describes the start of Ukraine's EU accession talks as "a historic day", speaking as membership negotiations are launched. "The European Union signifies more than a physical space" Shmygal says, "it represents value and hope". The opening of talks sets the war-torn country on a long path towards membership that Russia has tried to block. SOUNDBITE
NATO defence ministers meet for the second day of the meeting. Arms aid to Ukraine is still at the heart of the meetings, in particular air defence systems. IMAGES
NATO defence ministers meet to discuss military aid for Kyiv ahead of a summit of alliance leaders in Washington in July. IMAGES