KYIV. Dec 3 (Interfax) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a telephone conversation with new President of the European Commission (EC) Ursula von der Leyen that he hopes for stronger support from the European Union for Ukrainian reforms and for the country's territorial integrity, the presidential press service said.
"I hope that the leading role of the European Union in supporting reforms and protecting Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty will only be strengthened under your presidency," Zelensky said in the phone call with the EC head.
Zelensky told von der Leyen that Ukraine's course of European integration remains unchanged and briefed her on the outcomes of stepping up reforms and implementing the Association Agreement with the EU.
Von der Leyen reaffirmed that the EU is willing to further back Ukraine in its reforms and cooperate in the context of the provision of macro-financial aid to Ukraine.
They additionally discussed the security situation in Donbas. The EC head pledged that the EU would continue to provide unconditional support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
"The EU sanctions will remain linked to the full implementation of the Minsk Agreements and should be extended during the next European Council meeting," von der Leyen said.
The two leaders agreed on a schedule for political dialogue and priorities for bilateral cooperation in the coming months. Zelensky invited von der Leyen to visit Ukraine in the near future.