Ambassador of the EU to Ukraine Katarína Mathernová presented a letter of credence to President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Ambassador of the EU to Ukraine Katarína Mathernová presented a letter of credence to President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Exactly two years ago, in the heart of Kyiv, Katarína Mathernová presented ambassadorial credentials to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and officially began her mission as EU Ambassador to Ukraine.

"I was not a career diplomat. I felt enormous respect - and also fear. For eight years I had followed Ukraine closely, three of which as head of EU Support Group for Ukraine, but stepping into this role was something very different".

"Ukraine was already more than a year into resisting Russia's full-scale invasion. The eyes of the world were fixed on Kyiv. I left the safety of my office in Brussels and threw myself into what became the greatest professional - and deeply human - challenge of my life".

"The ceremony took place in the magnificent Saint Sophia Cathedral. Alongside me were colleagues from France, UK, Canada, Estonia, Hungary, and Slovenia. When President Zelenskyy shook my hand, he said words I will never forget: "Welcome back, Katarína".

"With two years of distance, I can say without hesitation: I have never regretted this decision. Ukraine has given me a second home, countless friendships, and a profound sense that I was given the chance to stand on the right side of history. To witness a nation under brutal Russian attack, still advancing at remarkable speed on its path towards the European Union".

"For any ambassador, presenting credentials is always a milestone. For me, it was the start of a journey that changed my life - a journey that continues every day, side by side with Ukrainians, as they defend their freedom and shape Europe's future", - said Katarína Mathernová, Ambassador of the EU to Ukraine.