Weakening the Russian aggressor is the key to ending the war: increasing losses on the battlefield, economic damage, and continued strong support for Ukraine. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated this during his address to participants of the European Council meeting.
The Head of State thanked partners for their support of Ukraine and expressed hope that Europe would find a way out of the difficult situation, especially when it comes to destabilization of European support for Ukraine.
“The aggressor must weaken – and this is the key to ending the war. This means that the aggressor must weaken on the battlefield, and Russia’s heavy losses on the frontline, around 30-35 thousand soldiers each month, ensure that. Russia must also lose economically – and this is what sanctions are for. And there is also the moral side – it is important that support for us stays strong, steady, and long-term, for years, and that the aggressor feels its future is uncertain – the aggressor, not us,” the President emphasized.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine is doing everything possible to ensure that diplomacy is effective and to bring the war to an end.
“In the past few days, we have received signals from the American side that talks may resume soon. But with what mindset will the Russian side come to the talks this time? It depends on all of us together to make sure the Russians do not come to these talks feeling that their position has grown much stronger,” the Head of State emphasized.
According to the President, this concerns not only the situation around Iran, which is driving up global oil prices. Due to the intensive use of air defense missiles in the Middle East and the Gulf region, Russia may be counting on a shortage of this equipment for supply to Ukraine. In addition, the European Union’s 20th sanctions package against Russia remains blocked, and the United States has eased some restrictions, which is bringing significant funds into the war budget of Russia’s leader.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that the €90 billion support package for 2026–2027 remains critically important for Ukraine. For its part, Ukraine is doing everything necessary to unblock it, including with regard to the Druzhba oil pipeline.
“Our team from the energy companies – Naftogaz and UkrTransNafta – is working productively to deliver on what we discussed. But the decision is yours – whether you want Russian oil to be imported by Europe, knowing that it helps the aggressor,” the Head of State said.
The President stressed that Russian strikes have damaged Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, so swift action is needed to protect the energy system and restore what has been destroyed. To ensure energy resilience for the next winter, at least €5 billion is needed within the €90 billion package. Ukraine also needs to pay for contracts with European manufacturers for aircraft, air defense systems, and equipment.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also emphasized the importance of unblocking the 20th sanctions package. It will help bring peace closer and show Russia that it is not gaining an advantage.
The Head of State also called for continuing to use every opportunity to find missiles for Patriot systems.
“That’s why the PURL program is helpful. I thank everyone who contributes to it. And we know – not everyone likes the idea of using part of the 90 billion to buy Patriot missiles through PURL if there are no other options. But if there really are no other options, this is necessary to defend against Russian ballistic attacks – it’s about saving lives,” the President said.
In addition, Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine will do everything on its part to open clusters and continue negotiations on accession to the European Union.
“Russia must clearly see and truly feel that Ukraine will be in Europe – and that this cannot be stopped. That is why we are carrying out internal reforms and working externally to secure a clear date for EU membership. If there is a clear date, it will mean that Russia will not be able to block our accession in any way,” the Head of State concluded.