Speeches

That is why it is important that the statements of leaders, states, and institutions be backed by strong actions – sanctions against Russia, against individuals associated with Russia, tough tariffs and other restrictions on trade with Russia. Their losses must be felt. That is what is truly convincing. And also – our long-range capabilities.

Our active diplomatic week continues – we are working at all levels.

Today, the Prime Minister of Slovakia is in Ukraine, and we have had a substantive discussion. It is important that we have this dialogue.

The participation of our European friends in this event, in the work of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Ukraine, clearly demonstrates how interconnected these matters are: our Ukraine’s domestic policy and our relations with the European Union.

I thank the European Union and European institutions for actively participating in the development of security guarantees. I want to emphasize: we are building a security system that will begin functioning during the war, remain in place after the war, and be fully deployed. Many details have already been worked out.

Even though Russia is trying to keep this war going, we’ve already started building a security system that can push Russia toward peace. 

The Coalition of the Willing is working very actively – the military, politicians, advisors. Significant groundwork has been laid. Our teams have worked for many days and weeks. We now understand what the foundation of real security guarantees should be. The basic framework is in place. We also understand that security guarantees are not about the future, “someday” – they also apply to the situation right now.

With today’s meeting we started a more concrete talk with all our partners on two things: defense now, while Russia’s war continues, and our defense in the future – the security guarantees we need, since Russia stays on its course. 

An open disregard by Russia for everything the world is doing to stop this war. Yesterday, the Russians literally denied what President Trump said about the leaders’ meeting that is needed to end the war.

We expect that no one will tolerate the prolongation of this war. We count on a strong stance from the United States, Europe, and the G20 countries. This war brings nothing but destabilization to global processes.