Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged European leaders to maintain sanctions against Russia until it begins withdrawing its troops from Ukraine and compensate for the destruction in his country.
Speaking at the European Council meeting in Brussels on Thursday, Zelenskyy called for Europe to act decisively in politics, defense, and economic policies to strengthen its global position.
He urged European leaders to resist Russia’s attempts to evade sanctions and prevent them from funding its war efforts.
“Sanctions against Russia must remain in place until it starts withdrawing from our land and fully compensates for the damage caused by its aggression,” Zelenskyy stated.
He highlighted the devastating effects of Russia’s continuous attacks on Ukraine, revealing another large-scale strike on the country.
“Last night, Russia launched a massive drone attack—171 strike drones, mostly Shaheds. Their target was our infrastructure,” Zelenskyy revealed
In Kropyvnytskyi, residential buildings, a church, and a school were damaged. Among the wounded—four children,” he stated.
Zelenskyy stated that Russia’s attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure is in contrast to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s claims of being “ready to stop attacks.”
“Nothing has changed, we in Ukraine face this every day and night,” he said.
The Ukrainian leader further called on European nations to increase their support for Ukraine, particularly in military aid, air defense, and financial assistance. He appealed for at least €5bn in funding to secure artillery shells and other critical resources to wage war against Russia.
“Investments in weapons production are needed both in Ukraine and in Europe,” Zelenskyy said, urging Europe to ensure its technological independence in weapons manufacturing.
“We all know how easily Moscow disregards its promises—one moment they give their word, and a few hours later it means absolutely nothing,” he stated.
He acknowledged the efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has been engaging with both parties in order to achieve an unconditional ceasefire, but criticized Putin’s “unnecessary” demands which he said prolonged the war.
The Ukrainian president called for greater European unity in diplomatic efforts and security guarantees for Ukraine and Europe’s eastern flank.
“Europe must always be at the table in discussions about its own security. We must work in unity on all European matters,” Zelenskyy said.
Putin had agreed to a partial ceasefire on Tuesday, following his phone call with Trump. The agreement would ensure that both Russia and Ukraine stop firing at each other’s energy infrastructures.
Trump described it as a huge step to achieving lasting peace, however, it is not exactly the peace proposal made on March 11 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, which Zelenskyy has already accepted.
Sustain Sanctions Against Russia, Zelenskyy Urges European Council is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Source: The Whistler
