Ongoing diplomatic efforts do not mean Russia should face less pressure, Zelenskyy tells EU leaders

In an online address to the European Council meeting on March 20, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on partners to further increase support for Ukraine, invest in Ukrainian and domestic weapons production, maintain sanctions against Russia, and make efforts to unblock the negotiation process on Ukraine’s accession to the EU.

According to the Ukrainian President’s website, Zelenskyy said that in spite of Vladimir Putin’s promise to stop attacks on the energy sector, Russia launched 171 attack drones last night.

The drones attacked infrastructure facilities, and in particular, in Kropyvnytskyi, residential buildings, an Orthodox church and a school were damaged. Four children were among the wounded.

“So, it’s crucial that your support for Ukraine doesn’t decrease but instead continues and grows. And this is especially true for air defense, military aid, and our overall resilience,” Zelenskyy said.

Zelenskyy said that Ukraine needs funds for artillery shells.

Ukraine is counting on European support in the amount of at least five billion euro. In addition, it is important to invest in arms production both in Ukraine and in Europe, he said.

Zelenskyy called on the partners not to reduce the pressure on Russia.

He emphasised that sanctions must remain in place until Russia begins to withdraw its troops from Ukrainian land and fully compensates for the damage caused by its aggression.

“Ongoing diplomatic efforts do not mean Russia should face less pressure. That’s crucial to reducing the chances of a Russian hoax,” Zelenskyy said.

“And we all know how easily Moscow disregards its promises – one moment they give their word, and a few hours later it means absolutely nothing. That’s why we must keep pushing Russia toward peace. Together with you, of course, with the United States, and with other our partners, we can do this,” he said.

He spoke of his “productive conversation” with US President Donald Trump, saying that the Ukrainian and American teams will continue working to achieve a full unconditional ceasefire.

“Putin must stop making unnecessary demands that only prolong the war and must start fulfilling what he promises the world,” Zelenskyy said.

He called for efforts to overcome the difficulties with the opening of the first and, accordingly, other negotiating clusters on Ukraine’s accession to the EU.

“It’s simply anti-European when one person blocks decisions that are important for the entire continent or that have already been agreed upon,” Zelenskyy said.

(Photo: Official website of the President of Ukraine)

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