Ukraine needs help in securing air defense missiles, strengthening sanctions pressure to force Russia to engage in negotiations, and ensuring the release of Ukrainians from Russian captivity and the return of deported children. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this in his online address from Odesa to participants of the 33rd Annual Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
The Head of State thanked the Assembly for its attention to Ukraine and its support for the Ukrainian people.
The President noted that rescue workers had only finished clearing the rubble of residential buildings late the previous evening, following Russia's attack on the night into July 2. Thirty people were killed in that strike, and around 100 others were injured.
“We need more air defense. It is about protecting lives every single day. Ukraine critically needs Patriot interceptors. We all know – our partners have them. What is needed now is the political will to provide them. First and foremost, in the United States. Please help make this happen,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.
The Head of State said he had discussed strengthening Ukraine's air defenses with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Work will also continue with other partners, including U.S. President Donald Trump.
“Today is America’s Independence Day. And America, together with the free world, can help us secure our independence from Russian killers, from this terrible Russian desire to destroy human life,” the President emphasized.
The President also noted that Ukraine is doing a lot on the battlefield and applying long-range pressure on Russia to make it harder for Russia to hold Ukraine’s occupied territories, to wage the war, and to keep refusing negotiations. According to him, these efforts must be reinforced by tougher sanctions against Russia, with new restrictions that leave Russia fewer ways to adapt to the war.
“It is especially important to put pressure on Russia’s oil sector. It simply cannot survive without free access for its oil through European seas. This is a critical route. If it is cut off, Russia will lose its ability to finance this war. So every country that stops tankers from Russia’s shadow fleet is making a real contribution to ending this war,” the President said.
According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Europe should have legal mechanisms allowing it to confiscate and sell oil transported by the shadow fleet.
The President also stressed that Russia's war must never become the new normal. He warned that Russia is making enormous efforts to restore its political ties and regain influence. In particular, the Russian Federation is using media pressure and attempting to destabilize those voices in Europe that speak honestly about the war and advocate for a stronger Europe.
The Head of State also called for continued support in bringing Ukrainians home from Russian captivity, including prisoners of war, civilian hostages, three OSCE officials, and Ukrainian children.
“Please keep helping us protect our people through your political leadership and practical decisions. Please also support our efforts for diplomacy – so that this war ends through negotiations, not through more destruction, which is exactly what Russia wants. Help make sure our air defense – our Patriot systems – never, never run out of the missiles they need. That is what saves lives,” the President concluded.
The 33rd Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly will run through July 8 in The Hague. More than 250 parliamentarians from 54 countries are expected to take part.