As long as Russia’s war continues, pressure on Russia must be maintained, strong support for Ukraine must continue, and reliable protection must be built across Europe. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed this while speaking at the inaugural plenary session of the 8th European Political Community Summit in Yerevan.
The Head of State highlighted the challenges facing Europe and the world. According to the President, the issue of the war in Iran remains unresolved, which could lead to long-term instability, rising costs of living, and significant political shifts.
“Our energy and security cooperation needs to be real cooperation. And we need to help each other prepare for winter and deal with energy challenges. And we should also push for a long-term solution for the Strait of Hormuz and for the people of Iran,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The Head of State stressed that Russia’s war against Ukraine and Europe continues with the same brutality as before.
“This summer will be a moment when Putin decides what to do next: expand the war or move to diplomacy. And we must push him toward diplomacy,” the President said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Russia announced a parade in Moscow on May 9 without military equipment, the first such case in many years. Russians cannot afford to use it, and fear drones may buzz over Red Square. According to the Head of State, this shows that Russia is not strong at present, and sanctions pressure must therefore continue.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked European Union leaders, European Council President António Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for the 20th sanctions package against Russia, particularly those targeting Russian oil, the military industry, and Russian banks.
“We must continue this pressure. We must move Russia to diplomacy. Please oppose any ideas to ease sanctions – this is important. And thank you also to those who are fighting against Russia’s shadow oil fleet,” the Head of State stressed.
The President also called for continued strong support for Ukraine as long as Russia’s war continues. He stressed that every aid package matters, especially air defense. In May and throughout the year, Ukraine needs new contributions to the PURL initiative to protect itself against Russian ballistic strikes.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Europe must be capable of independently producing everything necessary to counter ballistic strikes and other types of weapons.
“We offer a contribution to Europe’s defense – our Drone Deals. They bring countries together. And we need strong protection across Europe – from drones and all attacks, potential attacks, in the air, at sea, and on land. Drone Deals mean joint work, joint production, shared protection. Let’s move forward on this,” the President said.
The Head of State also noted the importance of developing solutions in case Russia does not end its war.
“We need continued pressure – and we need peace. And of course, it’s number one: we need to find a workable diplomatic format. And Europe must be at the table in any talks. And we are in contact with the United States – and we understand their views and positions. But it would be good to develop one common European voice for talks with Russians,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy concluded.
