KIEV, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European Council President Charles Michel held phone talks over Ukraine's aspirations to join the European Union (EU), Zelensky's press service reported Tuesday. The conversation took place days before the start of a European Council meeting. The two leaders discussed the steps towards starting negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU. Furthermore, Zelensky and Michel exchanged their expectations for the 25th Ukraine-EU Summit. The two leaders also discussed the EU's further support for Ukraine, including extending trade liberalization measures, set to expire on June 5, for another year. In December 2023, EU leaders agreed to open membership talks with Ukraine. The European Council meeting slated for March 21-22 will discuss the EU's support for Ukraine, among other issues.  

（Editor:Liao Yifan）