The key to ending the war is weakening the Russian aggressor – through losses on the battlefield, economic losses and continued strong support for Ukraine.
This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky during an appeal to the participants of the meeting of the European Council, informs the portal PromPolitInform.
The Head of State thanked for the assistance to Ukraine and expressed hope that Europe would find a way out of the difficult situation, especially when it comes to destabilizing European support for Ukraine.
“The aggressor must weaken, and this is the key to ending the war. This means that the aggressor must weaken on the battlefield, and Russia’s heavy losses at the front – about 30-35 thousand soldiers a month – provide this. Russia must also suffer economic losses, and that is why there are sanctions. And there is also a moral aspect: it is important that the support for us remains strong, stable and long-term, for years and that it is the aggressor who feels that his future is unpredictable – the aggressor, not us,” the President stressed.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine is doing everything possible to make diplomacy effective and to end the war.
“Over the past few days, we have received signals from the American side that negotiations may soon resume. But with what mood will the Russian side come to negotiations this time? It depends on us all that the Russians do not come to these negotiations with the feeling that their position has significantly strengthened,” the Head of State said.
According to the President, this is not only about the situation around Iran, which increases world oil prices. Due to the active use of air defense missiles in the Middle East and the Gulf region, Russians can hope for a shortage of these weapons to supply Ukraine. The 20th package of EU sanctions against Russia is also blocked, and the United States has eased some restrictions, and this brings significant funds to the military budget of the Russian leader.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that a support package of 90 billion euros for 2026-2027 remains critical for Ukraine. For its part, Ukraine is doing everything necessary to unblock it, in particular regarding the Druzhba pipeline.
“Our team of energy companies – Naftogaz and Ukrtransnafta – is meaningfully working on the implementation of what we agreed. But the decision is yours: do you want Russian oil to be imported into Europe, knowing that it helps the aggressor,” the Head of State noted.
The President stressed that Russian strikes damaged the Ukrainian energy infrastructure, so we need to act quickly to protect the energy system and restore the destroyed. To ensure energy sustainability for next winter, at least €5 billion is needed within the package of €90 billion. Ukraine also needs to pay for contracts with European manufacturers for aircraft, air defense and equipment.
Separately, Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of unlocking the 20th package of sanctions. He will help bring peace closer and show Russia that it does not gain an advantage.
The head of state also called on to continue to use every opportunity to search for missiles for Patriot systems.
“That’s why PURL is useful. Thank you to everyone who joins her. We know: Not everyone likes the idea of using some of the $90 billion to buy rockets for Patriot through PURL, unless there are other options. But if there are really no other options, it is necessary to protect against Russian ballistic strikes – this is a matter of saving lives,” the President said.
In addition, Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that everything will be done on the part of Ukraine to open clusters and continue negotiations on joining the European Union.
“Russia must clearly understand and really feel that Ukraine will be in Europe and this cannot be stopped. That is why we carry out internal reforms and work at the external level to ensure a clear date for joining the EU. If a clear date is determined, this will mean that Russia will not be able to block our accession,” the Head of State concluded.
Photo – OP
