Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, has responded to the statements of her predecessor Jean-Claude Juncker about "corrupt Ukraine", noting that the reforms Ukraine is implementing are impressive.

"These reforms are impressive. They (the Ukrainian government – ed.) have been fighting against money laundering by strengthening the legal system. All this is a part of the reforms the results of which we can see in everyday life in Ukraine so they have not only approved the laws but are implementing them so the negotiations about the EU accession must start now," said Ursula von der Leyen at the press conference in Brussels.

She added that Ukraine is fighting in the war against Russia, which had started the aggression against it.

"Ukraine is fighting another impressive battle in Russia's war of conquest against Ukraine, and we want to once again send a very clear signal of European support," von der Leyen added.

At the beginning of October, Juncker claimed that the European Partners should not "make false promises" about quick EU accession to Ukrainians, and that the country is not ready for the membership yet, mainly due to the "corruption at all levels of society".

In response, Andrii Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, expressed his surprise caused by Juncker's statement and objected.

"I do not recall Mr. Juncker coming to Ukraine during the last few years. So it is a bit odd hearing these words from him," Yermak responded.

The European Commission has recommended that EU states start accession negotiations with Ukraine, but Kyiv must implement further reforms.