European partners must take effective steps and continue applying pressure on Russia to force it to end its war against Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this in Dublin during the ceremony marking the opening of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The Head of State thanked European partners for their continued support for Ukraine, for mutual respect, and congratulated Ireland on the start of its Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
“This is always a great responsibility, especially now, when we must protect lives and our values from Russia’s anti-European aggression and when we face many other challenges, both in international affairs and at the national level across Europe,” he said.
The President expressed hope for progress in implementing the Drone Deal with the European Union during Ireland’s Presidency. Ukraine has already concluded a significant number of bilateral agreements and established broader partnerships with European countries. According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, these can contribute to the wider use of new Ukrainian defense technologies, including drone and counter-drone systems, which have already proven their effectiveness.
“Today, every country needs the modern means to at least monitor and protect its own airspace and sea borders. Without Ukraine, without Ukraine’s experience and security expertise, tested in modern war, it is simply impossible to guarantee security today, especially when it comes to air defense and maritime security,” the President emphasized.
He noted that partners must adopt effective decisions that increase pressure on Russia in order to force it to end its war against Ukraine.
“Russia is not acting out of goodwill. It will not stop the war simply because someone asks it to. The world’s strongest leaders, including the President of the U.S., have already told Russia that this war must end. However, Putin wants to keep fighting. And it’s true. That is why he must face conditions that make it impossible for him to keep this war going,” the Head of State said.
According to the President, Ukraine is creating these conditions through our long-range strikes on Russian military and oil facilities. Medium-range sanctions are also having an effect.
“I want to thank everyone who supports us, supports our efforts. And I urge you to continue this support through new European Union sanctions. And they are needed against Russia’s shadow fleet and against many of the tools Putin still relies on to keep this war going. This also includes companies in European countries whose only purpose is to work for Russia,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.
The Head of State thanked European leaders for opening the first negotiation cluster on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union and called for continued progress.
“We can open five more clusters very soon and continue the negotiations in a practical way. And of course, the biggest political decisions are still ahead, but steps like opening new clusters strengthen the motivation of our people, lift the spirit of Ukrainians, and show that the EU keeps its promises. It’s so important to keep promises,” the President concluded.
