Strengthening sanctions against Russia, ensuring financial support for Ukraine, and sending a clear political signal regarding our country’s accession to the European Union – with these calls, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the participants of the European Council session.
The Head of State emphasized that sanctions against Russia remain one of the most effective tools for limiting its aggression. According to the President, the 18th EU sanctions package against the Russian Federation should target Russia’s oil trade, its shadow tanker fleet – including captains and terminals – Russian banks and other financial instruments, as well as the supply chains that ensure weapons production.
“The facts are clear: for Russia’s appetite for war to shrink, its oil revenues must shrink. So please support further steps to lower the price cap on Russian oil. A cap of $45 could help move toward peace, of course. But for real, lasting peace – and we shared it yesterday with all the partners: European partners, U.S. partners – a cap of $30 per barrel is needed to block Russia’s ability to fund its aggression,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
Another key point in countering Russian aggression, the President said, is the predictability of support for Ukraine from partner countries. Defense against Russian attacks must remain stable and reliable.
“This means continuing the freeze on Russian assets and continuing to use those frozen assets to fund Ukraine’s needs,” the Head of State added.
The President also expressed hope that Ukraine will become a full part of the EU's SAFE (Security Action for Europe) program.
“We have the most up-to-date, battlefield-tested knowledge of which weapons work best. Ukraine should take part in joint defense purchases – from both EU and Ukrainian producers,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.
He also paid special attention to Ukraine’s EU accession process. The President emphasized that Ukraine is fulfilling all its commitments for EU accession and called for supporting the opening of the first negotiating cluster, “Fundamentals.”
“Opening Cluster One “Fundamentals” in the negotiation process could be more than just a technical step. It would be a political decision that defines Ukraine’s future integration with Europe,” the Head of State said.