Today’s Russian attack on Ukraine is Vladimir Putin’s response to the world’s calls to stop the war, which is why it is crucial to increase pressure on Russia. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated this during a coordination online meeting attended by President of Poland Karol Nawrocki, President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda, President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs, President of Estonia Alar Karis, and Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen. They joined the conversation from Warsaw.
The leaders expressed their condolences over the Russian attack on civilian facilities on Thursday night.
The Head of State reported that as a result of this Russian strike, 19 people were killed in Kyiv alone, including four children. Dozens of others are currently in hospitals. The search and rescue operation is still ongoing, with all relevant services working on the ground, providing assistance, and addressing the aftermath of the strike.
Russia used nearly 600 drones and 31 missiles, including ballistic ones. Many buildings were destroyed or damaged, including the offices of the European Union and the British Council in Ukraine, as well as the Embassy of Azerbaijan.
“This is Putin’s response to the world’s calls to stop the war. Russia refused to stop the killing – they even said “no” to President Trump. We’re seeing negative signals from Russia regarding a possible leaders’ summit. Honestly, we think Putin is still interested only in continuing this war. That’s exactly why we need new strong pressure on Russia – tough sanctions, strong tariffs, both from Europe and from America,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.
The President separately highlighted the importance of security guarantees. He stressed that a strong Ukrainian army must be the foundation, including long-term funding for the Ukrainian military, arms deliveries, and weapons production.
“When we talk about security guarantees, we need clear answers – who will help us defend on the ground, in the air, and at sea if Russia comes again. And how exactly you can take part – I’m asking you to define your role,” the Head of State said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the United States is ready to stand with Europe in providing security guarantees, and that it is therefore important for everyone to define their contribution.
“We agreed with President Trump that America will be part of the security guarantees. That’s good, and this is an extremely important decision. President Trump believes that Europeans should take the lead, but America is ready to be involved and help coordinate the process,” the President emphasized.
Karol Nawrocki noted that he had analyzed the economic situation in Russia, which shows that the sanctions are working. He added that he will discuss this with the U.S. President during his visit to Washington next week. The President of Poland also emphasized that no decisions about Ukraine can be made without Ukraine.
Gitanas Nausėda stressed that everyone understands the Russian ruler does not want peace. His actions show that he is trying to occupy as much territory as possible. According to the President of Lithuania, the only way to achieve peace is through strength, including sanctions.
Alar Karis supported the idea that there should be a detailed outline of what each country will specifically do to guarantee security for Ukraine, noting that this will allow progress to be made.
Edgars Rinkēvičs underlined that it is very important to increase pressure on Russia and introduce new sanctions. He added that Latvian military experts are involved in joint efforts within the Coalition of the Willing.
Mette Frederiksen noted that it has been nearly two weeks since the meeting in Washington, yet there are no signs that the Russian side is genuinely ready for leader-level talks. Therefore, in her view, it is now crucial to increase pressure on Russia. The Danish Prime Minister also highlighted the results of the Danish model and the capabilities of Ukraine’s defense industry. According to Mette Frederiksen, Ukraine can produce much more, which is why it is important to secure the necessary funding.