While addressing the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Netherlands, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for stronger sanctions against Russia and further support for Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
The Head of State noted that since the beginning of the full-scale war, Russia has used 28,743 Shahed drones against Ukraine. In June of this year alone, they have already launched 2,736.
“Russia could never have done this without its ties to the regime in Iran. And we in Ukraine could never have shot down most of these drones without the support of our partners,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.
The President also noted that Russian propagandists continue to threaten other countries, while intelligence services in Ukraine, the Netherlands, and other European nations believe that Russia is planning hostile operations on NATO territory.
According to the Head of State, the response to Russian aggression must be political isolation and stronger sanctions.
“War plans must become deadly expensive for Russia. We need to truly block their tanker fleet – and cut them off from international banking,” he said.
The Head of State underscored the need for a strong 18th EU sanctions package. In order to truly limit Russia’s ability to wage war, the price cap on Russian oil must be brought down to 30 dollars per barrel.
“Putin pretends he doesn’t understand what rules shape the modern world. And here in The Hague, I want to say this very clearly – for Putin. There is a rule – do not kill. There is a rule – do not act like a beast toward people. There is a rule – do not burn down cities and villages. There is also a rule – do not justify or sponsor terror. There is a rule – do not steal children. And if you break such rules, there must be responsibility,” the President stated.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the Netherlands for its tangible support to the Ukrainian people, for the new defense package, and for backing domestic weapons production in Ukraine. He also emphasized the importance of increasing defense spending in European countries.
