The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, believes that the pro-European reforms that Ukraine is implementing on the way to the EU will help Kyiv guarantee long-term security.

 She said this during a speech on Wednesday at the Globsec forum in Bratislava.

 Von der Leyen stressed that a just world for Ukraine should be long-lasting. And for that, according to her, it must be strengthened in two vital ways.

 "The first: ensuring Ukraine's long-term security. I welcome discussions about how Ukraine's security can be guaranteed. There are various models and historical examples that can be used. A combination of such guarantees from like-minded states can offer what some call 'deterrence' through denial". In other words, providing Ukraine with military equipment to protect against Russian attacks in the future," said the head of the European Commission.

 Secondly, according to her, it is necessary to be clear that friends of Ukraine will stay with her for a long time for her safety.

 "Such an agreement with security guarantees must be accompanied by a broader framework of democratic reforms in Ukraine. And here Ukraine's path to joining our Union will play a fundamental role. Although everyone knew that we were entering a difficult path, we granted Ukraine the status of a candidate - and that's right. Now we must be with them every step of the way," von der Leyen said.

 She emphasized that even while fighting for their survival, Ukrainians are carrying out important reforms to strengthen their democracy.

 "Ukraine continues to advance towards our Union, no matter what. And we will continue to do everything we can to bring Ukraine closer to and accelerate the achievement of a just and durable world," von der Leyen summed up.