Speeches

Today, we are launching an expedited synchronization process. Every necessary decision by our partners regarding sanctions against Russia and related individuals must be swiftly implemented in Ukraine. And our Ukrainian sanctions – against those who have chosen Russia and who have chosen war, against those who assist aggression – must also be confirmed in other jurisdictions.

We in the government understand that it is economic growth that should fill the budget, not pressure, not simply squeezing money out of the economy. And good decisions are impossible without good teams that generate ideas and ensure that decisions are implemented. That is why dialogue between the state and all forces in society is necessary, particularly with entrepreneurs.

The EU remains a strong global force that can protect – and does protect – European values and interests. It also plays a key role in making sure the war that Russia is waging doesn’t spread further, and in moving things toward peace.

Justice must work in a way that makes it clear to anyone planning such crimes, crimes of aggression that accountability is certain. And justice must work in a way that sets a legal principle – no rewards for aggression. That’s why the crime of aggression must be recorded, judged, and punished.

Thank you for the fact that the Netherlands is one of the world’s biggest defenders of life and one of the largest in Europe – together with Germany, Norway and Sweden.

Russia rejects all peace proposals, including those from the United States of America. Putin only thinks about war. That’s a fact. Maybe he connects his own political survival with his ability to keep killing: so long as he kills, he lives.

Iran’s decisions to support Russia have brought massive destruction and devastating human losses to our country, and to many others. This truly must stop. And it must absolutely not be reinforced with nuclear weapons.

It is Russia that rejects peace proposals. And not just some – all of them: American, and, by the way, Chinese, European, Brazilian, African, Indian. Regardless of who says the war must be stopped, Putin doesn’t listen. It is Putin who speaks openly to the world about which cities he threatens and which nations he claims don’t exist.

Particular attention was paid to the Sumy region, to operations in the border areas. I am grateful to our units for their resilience. The Russians had various plans and intentions there – absolutely insane, as usual. We are holding them back and eliminating these killers, defending our Sumy region.

Sanctions must be ramped up significantly. We must greatly enhance our cooperation – especially in the technological sphere – among all those around the world who are defending life. This is exactly what we agreed on with partners recently in Canada – at the G7 Summit. And we will continue discussing it next week through other formats of our cooperation in Europe, particularly within the framework of the Coalition of the Willing.