“Let me start by paying tribute to Ukrainian local communities. You are showing incredible resilience in the face of this awful war, and you are a true inspiration for us all”. This was stated today by the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, who is in Ukraine to participate in the Congress of Regional Authorities. In the presence of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Costa said: “Europe has stood firmly with Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression since day 1, being a reliable and predictable partner. Together with our member states, the European Union is the largest contributor of any global donor. We are supporting Ukraine on defence, on economy, on energy grid, and institutions. The Ukrainian people, dear Volodymyr, have shown to the world their extraordinary courage when facing the Russian aggression. And you are fighting for a just and lasting peace. And this is our common goal: to achieve a just and lasting in peace in Ukraine”.