During the Ukraine – Southeast Europe Summit, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on European partners to continue defense support for Ukraine, maintain unity and resilience against hybrid threats, strengthen cyber protection, and deepen cooperation in infrastructure development.
“You can all see – Putin does not want to end this war. He believes that as long as he can fight and dominate his neighbors, he stays politically alive. But no matter what he believes, our job is to force Russia into a position where they must seek peace and political survival by non-military means. This is absolutely possible,” the President said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that defense support for Ukraine is essential to protect against Russian attacks and to make Russia feel the true cost of war on its own territory. Another key tool, according to the Head of State, is sanctions – particularly those targeting Russian oil tankers and the financial sector.
“And on the oil price cap – a cap of $45 is better than $60. Anyway, it's understandable. It’s true. But real peace comes with a $30 cap – that’s the level that will truly change thinking in Moscow,” the President stated.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy particularly emphasized the shared interest among Summit participants in EU enlargement and the strength of NATO.
“This year, Ukraine needs a clear decision on the negotiating clusters. We’ve met every condition. Blocking progress now only wastes time for all of Europe. All our nations count and deserve fair enlargement. The same applies to NATO,” he stressed.
Furthermore, the Head of State called for developing cooperation in infrastructure, including transport routes, energy, communications, and digital systems.
Summit participants also discussed resilience to hybrid threats, strengthening trade and transport networks, energy security, demining, post-war reconstruction, rehabilitation, health improvement, and support for military personnel, children, and veterans.
The Summit was attended by: President of Moldova, Maia Sandu; President of Romania, Nicușor Dan; President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović; President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić; Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic, Kyriakos Mitsotakis; Prime Minister of Croatia, Andrej Plenković; Prime Minister of Bulgaria, Rossen Jeliazkov; Speaker of the Parliament of Albania, Elisa Spiropali; First Deputy President of the Government of North Macedonia, Izet Mexhiti; and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia, Tanja Fajon.
This was already the Fourth Ukraine – Southeast Europe Summit, but the first to take place in Ukraine. Previous summits were hosted by Greece, Albania, and Croatia. This format was established in 2023 to support Ukraine and jointly counter the consequences of Russian aggression.
