European Council President Charles Michel, who paid a surprise visit to the city, had to take refuge in Odessa.

According to a European official, while Charles Michel was meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Dennis Smigal, “the participants had to interrupt their meeting to find shelter as rockets hit the Odessa region again.”

Charles Michel wrote on Twitter that he went to Odessa to celebrate Europe Day. “You are not alone. The EU is on your side,” he said, once again denouncing Russian aggression.

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The President of Ukraine, who spoke with Michel via teleconference, thanked him for his “courage” and his visit to Odessa, according to a statement from the presidency.

“I would like to thank you for your political support, for your presence. For the fact that you see Ukraine in the near future equal to other members of the European family,” said Zelensky.