If Ukraine quickly gains real membership in the European Union, Russia will lose one of its biggest grounds for trying to destabilize Ukraine and Europe, which is why a fast track is needed. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized this during the European Council meeting in Brussels.
The Head of State thanked the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission, as well as all leaders who support Ukraine and are ready to work to make both our country and the EU stronger.
“The future of Europe – free, united, of course, in peace – is being decided in our defense. That shows how unique our situation is. I’m grateful to everyone who recognizes this and who takes the necessary steps to show that Europe truly values and supports it,” the President said in his address.
According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the most important such step is an accelerated path for Ukraine’s accession to the EU. Our country is ready to carry out the necessary reforms. The Head of State emphasized that the opening of the first negotiating cluster with the European Union on June 15 was a historic decision, and the remaining clusters must also be opened in the near future.
“This is our path to the European Union, and it cannot be stopped. Our partners are doing a great job; they are our friends. We will open all the clusters – I am confident of this,” the President noted.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that all partners recognize Ukraine’s strong position and see that the Russian leader does not want to stop his war. Despite this, Ukraine is ready for negotiations with him.
European partners understand Ukraine’s air defense needs, as Russia continues its aerial terror. Joint work, initiated by our country, will also continue to ensure that Europe has its own anti-ballistic capabilities.
In addition, funds are needed for contracts for Ukrainian warriors. Long-term guarantees of financing for our army are an important security factor for all of Europe.
According to the Head of State, it is important that the funds of the European Peace Facility have been unblocked – €6 billion. They must be used for air defense, long-range shells, and other capabilities that are already proving their effectiveness. Another important area is protecting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure ahead of winter.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that sanctions against Russia for this war must be strengthened, and pressure must be increased on all types of Russian energy resources and their exports, as well as on the tankers transporting Russian oil and oil products.
“And it is important that we finally take the necessary legislative steps in every country and at the European level, so that we can not only stop these tankers, but also confiscate the oil they carry. This is worth doing. It is a real tool for reducing Russia’s oil revenues,” the President said.
The Head of State also called for giving new momentum to the Coalition of the Willing. The President is convinced that only all these decisive steps will help diplomacy work.
“Of course, we want to end this war before winter, through diplomacy – of course, it's very important – and through pressure on Russia. But we understand who we are dealing with. Putin is the war. So if the war continues, we will need a winter support package,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
