Speeches

The only thing that can force this Russian virus of war to stop is strength: strong decisions and strong assistance.

We have to remember what Crimea is. We must act so that Russia knows – we remember, and we will not forgive, and we are fighting for international law and basic human justice to prevail. 

We must use everything we have – together – to force the aggressor to stop. And only then do we have a real chance that this arms race won’t end in catastrophe for all of us. If it takes weapons to do it, if it takes pressure on Russia – then it must be done. And it must be done now. Otherwise, Putin will keep driving the war forward – wider and deeper.

Behind every international institution, there must be real strength to enforce decisions. This is true for the Security Council and for the UN as a whole. If you stand together for ending this war, even Russia will have to obey. And if some of you act, while others delay, the war goes on.

Please let the result of this Coalition meeting be support for initiatives to find, return, and reintegrate our children, and real pressure on Russia through sanctions. We must turn attention into action. We need your support and the support of partners in the General Assembly.

It will be the week of the UN General Assembly – with various events and meetings. The schedule already includes nearly two dozen meetings with leaders from different countries, from all parts of the world – with everyone who has long supported Ukraine and those who are among our new partners. The first meetings are already tomorrow. We are also planning a meeting with the President of the United States this week.

I am grateful that many of Ukraine’s proposals have been taken into account in the EU sanctions package. We are constantly working on this with every one of our partners, and of course, above all with the European Union and the Group of Seven.

Our counteroffensive operation in the Donetsk region – Pokrovsk and Dobropillia sectors – continues. For the Russians, it was one of the most important axes of their offensive, but they failed to mount a full-scale offensive there – our army is destroying their forces.

Today, I’m in the Donetsk region – Kramatorsk, Slovyansk, our combat brigades – communicating with our warriors. I presented state awards, specifically for their achievements in battle, to the finest of our warriors, those who have excelled most in recent weeks.

Today, we are truly very happy to see the President of the European Parliament visiting Ukraine – and this is already the fourth visit by Roberta Metsola to Ukraine during the war.