Ukraine is ready to become a full-fledged member of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF). President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated this during his online address to the participants of the JEF Leaders’ Summit in Helsinki.
The Head of State emphasized that no one knows what the future holds for Europe or how Russia will behave in the coming years.
“We have an aggressive Russian regime next to us that has no intention of returning to peaceful coexistence with its neighbors. Next to Russia is Belarus, still ruled by one man. And yesterday, on Freedom Day, celebrated by Belarusians, he went to North Korea – one of the world’s darkest symbols of oppression. It sends a clear message to the entire region,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The President also highlighted the consequences of the deep crisis in the Middle East and the Gulf region, which are being felt by European nations as well. According to him, even if the war there ends soon, significant efforts will still be required to ensure stable supplies of critically important resources from the region. Ukraine has proposed long-term cooperation to the countries of the Middle East and the Gulf to help protect their skies.
“They have strong financial resources and experience in dealing with ballistic threats, but they need our expertise in countering drones. This includes all types of drones, “shahed” drones which cause serious damage to infrastructure, and FPV-drones which are now used for targeted attacks on military bases and equipment in the region. The first agreements have already been prepared by our teams,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.
The Head of State stressed that Ukraine is offering a mutually beneficial partnership to the countries of the Middle East and the Gulf: Ukrainian knowledge and technology in exchange for their financing. According to the President, this will be Ukraine’s contribution to global security.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also expressed confidence that closer cooperation must be established between Ukraine and all European states to ensure real protection on land, in the air, and at sea.
“The key is not only producing new weapons – especially drones – not just technology, but also real experience in using it, and integrating it with radars, aviation, and other air defense systems. We have this experience. Together, we have a strong industrial base. You have financial capacity. Let’s bring all of this together even more,” the President said.
The Head of State thanked the countries for granting Ukraine enhanced partnership status, which already opens up opportunities for practical cooperation, including participation in the TARASSIS exercise. Ukraine is ready to move forward, contributing its experience and capabilities to make the JEF community even stronger, with the ultimate goal of becoming a full-fledged member of JEF.
“We need to come together and strengthen our shared experience, so we can be strong in every area – protecting lives, infrastructure, energy, the seas, and cyberspace. And I believe we can do this. I believe that a free Europe will prevail over all who threaten us,” the President noted.
The Head of State emphasized that air defense remains the highest priority and thanked the countries actively supporting Ukraine under the PURL initiative.
“In Europe, we must have full capacity to produce all types of air defense systems and the missiles for them. This includes protection against drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic threats. And we cannot rely on other partners’ industries. We must be confident in our own industry here in Europe,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The President particularly stressed that oil and gas markets are very uncertain now, but Russia must not be allowed to take advantage of this.
“We all know that for Russia, money from oil and gas means more time for war. Putin turns every dollar he earns into killing and destabilization. So please, keep the pressure on Russia. Its tankers and shadow fleet must not feel safe in European waters,” the President said.
The Head of State thanked Denmark, Sweden, and France for detaining vessels and noted that this is a clear demonstration that enforcement is not only possible but effective.
“These tankers must not just be stopped – they must not be used to bypass international law. We need joint action to create strong laws in Europe that allow countries to block Russian tankers and confiscate the oil. This should be a real tool to take away Russia’s ability to pressure Europe,” the President emphasized.