Ukraine to continue integration process with EU: Kyiv mayor

KYIV, Ukraine

Ukraine will continue the integration process with the EU despite Russian attacks, the mayor of the capital Kyiv said Thursday.

"Despite Russia's attacks, Ukraine will continue its integration process with the EU. I want our European friends to know that there can be no strong Europe without a strong Ukraine,” Vitali Klitschko said at the opening ceremony of the House of Europe in Kyiv.

The mayor said they will continue to work for Ukraine to become an EU member and make efforts to protect the future of Europe.

He went on to say that Russia treats his country in a “dictatorial, imperialist, and despotic manner,” while the Ukrainian people are fighting for their freedom and future.

"Our heroic soldiers protected the country and continue to protect it. We have protected and will protect Kyiv, the heart of Ukraine,” he said.

Regarding the security measures in the capital, he said some barricades were expanded due to vehicle traffic. "The city is gradually returning to normal life. We have expanded some places for the passage of vehicles," he said.

"We live in a state of war, so the barricades will remain. Some barricades have been removed, but some will remain," he added.

At least 2,224 civilians have been killed and 2,897 injured in Ukraine in the war that started Feb. 24, according to UN estimates, with the true figure believed to be much higher.

More than 5 million Ukrainians have fled to other countries, with over 7 million more internally displaced, said the UN refugee agency.

*Writing by Gozde Bayar in Ankara