Ukraine offers Europe to create a full defense system capable of protecting its borders and infrastructure and countering drone threats. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated this while addressing participants of the meeting of the heads of state and government of the European Union in Cyprus.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the European Union for approving the 20th package of sanctions against Russia and stressed that Ukraine expects to receive the first tranche from the €90 billion support package as soon as possible.
“This money is for our army, and we are ready to buy weapons with it – including air defense. It is also funding that will help us prepare for winter – and work has already started to protect our energy system, and the European funds will support this as well,” the Head of State noted.
The President called on the European Union to strengthen sanctions against Russia, especially in light of the easing of certain restrictions by the United States.
“Right now, the situation on the front in Ukraine is special. Our positions are more stable than in previous months and years, and Russia is losing at least 30-35 thousand soldiers every month. It is difficult for Russia, and we should make it even harder for them – in order to push them to diplomacy,” the Head of State said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine critically needs to strengthen its air defense, as Russia continues massive attacks and, due to the war in Iran, our country is facing a shortage of missiles to counter ballistic threats.
“The United States is sending more supplies to the Middle East and the Gulf. So please support our efforts to buy missiles for Patriot systems – the PURL program and all formats of air defense production in Europe – it is vital,” the President noted.
He thanked every country and all leaders with whom Ukraine is closely cooperating in the field of drones. According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, our state is actively engaging in this area with countries of the Middle East and the Gulf region, and is also preparing cooperation with the Caucasus region and holding talks with other partners.
The President stressed that Ukraine is offering its partners not only drones, but a full defense system.
“For example, Arab states have strong air defense against missiles, and we help them set up protection against Shahed drones and at sea. This kind of integrated defense is what we need to build for Europe as well – to protect borders, coastlines, the sea, infrastructure, and everything that could be targeted. I believe this should be a truly European project,” the Head of State said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for stepping up the implementation of the SAFE instrument and making joint efforts to counter drone threats.
“We need to coordinate and create a common European tool – a program on drones. We are ready to invest our expertise, our facilities, and our capacity,” the President said.
The Head of State emphasized that today Ukraine is defending not only itself, but all of Europe and the European way of life.
“Whatever happens with Russia’s ambitions, one thing is clear – Europe together with Ukraine will be able to defend itself. And I believe as a result of both our defense of Europe and our reforms, Ukraine should gain full membership in the EU. Thank you to everyone working to speed it up,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The President noted that it is important to move as early as May toward unblocking the negotiating clusters for Ukraine’s accession to the European Union.
“We seek the same full membership that every EU nation has – from Cyprus to Poland. The only thing we ask is speeding up the full membership – with a clear start date for membership,” the Head of State emphasized.
According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, an accelerated procedure for Ukraine’s accession to the European Union will help prevent Russia’s attempts to weaken Europe and block our European integration.
