Dear Ukrainians!
A meeting with leaders in London has already taken place – this is the third positive development for Ukraine in just a few days. More sanctions against Russia are coming – and they will be aligned with the decision of the United States. This is a very right move by the U.S. President – sanctions against two Russian oil companies that export large volumes of oil. Today, all participants, without exception, in the Coalition of the Willing agreed that this is exactly how pressure should continue – on Russian oil: Russian oil companies, terminals, Russian tanker fleet, and the entire infrastructure of the aggressor. Today we agreed on decisions that can help us a lot. We will not disclose all the details yet, to make things harder for Putin.
And even though Russia is now signaling to the world that sanctions supposedly don’t affect its economy, everyone can see the truth: gas station lines inside Russia, bankrupt Russian regions, and Russia’s federal budget deficit. Sanctions remain one of the most painful blows for Putin, personally for him.
Second, there are very important agreements on financial support for Ukraine. Europe is politically ready to channel frozen Russian assets into comprehensive support for Ukraine and Ukrainians, and yesterday the European Council reached a political decision – the clear framework for using the assets, and this framework has been defined. We now also agreed in Europe that this framework must be implemented by the end of the year. Overall, the mood in Europe is such that we understand: funding for Ukraine, for our people, will be secured for next year.
Third – everything related to weapons, air defense, and positions on the frontline. There are already new packages from our partners; our approach to long-range capabilities is also gaining more support. And this means there will be more precise long-range sanctions – direct-action sanctions against Russia’s war machine. And it works over thousands of kilometers.
I also want very much to thank everyone supporting us in the issue of air defense, of systems: we are working with countries to increase the number of Patriots and compatible missiles. There is also a decision from Italy today – they are preparing a support package for our energy sector. Thank you. There is a decision from Norway to fund gas purchases – thank you very much! We have good agreements with other countries, our European partners, and teams are now working to implement them. And we will continue addressing energy issues with the new Japanese Government– the new Prime Minister of Japan took part in the Coalition of the Willing meeting today. And we expect that each G7 member – from the U.S. and Canada to Japan – will continue their steps to support us, support Ukraine, and support our people.
And of course – Sweden. There is a new and major agreement for our combat aviation: we are working on the Gripen fleet, excellent combat aircraft. We have signed the first document, and we are counting on 150 aircraft. And this is a long-term security guarantee for a strong and modern independent Ukraine. This is a historic step. We thank everyone who is helping us!
Glory to Ukraine!