The key facts

  • Zelensky urged the EU not to weaken sanctions and to adopt a strong 22nd package, including sanctions against those involved in producing Russian ballistic missiles, communication systems and drones
  • He estimated the cost of the conflict for Ukraine next year at €155 billion, plus at least €70 billion in additional expenses, including defense procurement
  • He requested a 'winter package' of 300 Patriot interceptors and noted the opening of four clusters of EU accession negotiations this year

Call not to weaken sanctions

Speaking on the second day of the EU leaders' summit in Brussels, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the union not to weaken sanctions against Russia and related individuals, emphasizing the need for a 'strong' 22nd sanctions package. According to him, Vladimir Putin 'uses every trick' to obtain money for weapons production, and Ukraine has warned that weakening sanctions would allow others to take advantage of it.

Criticism of the US-Russia diesel deal

Zelensky said that a diesel deal between the US and Russia would never compensate for the impact of the situation in the Strait of Hormuz on global markets, but would merely 'put more money straight into Putin's pocket' to finance the war. He called for sanctions against everyone involved in the production of Russian ballistic missiles, modern communication systems and drones.

Financial needs and defense

According to Zelensky's estimate, the financial cost of the conflict for Ukraine next year will be €155 billion, and the country needs at least €70 billion in additional funds, including defense procurement. He also stressed the need to resolve the issue of frozen Russian assets and asked to use every opportunity to strengthen air defense, naming a 'winter package' of 300 Patriot interceptors against Russian ballistic missiles.

EU accession and European unity

Zelensky thanked the EU for the progress: four clusters of accession negotiations have already been opened this year and, in his words, the remaining two need to be opened by the end of the year. He called for linking the membership processes of Ukraine and Moldova. Defining European unity as a target for Russia, he stated that the work to stop the war is being done not only for Ukraine, but for security guarantees for all of Europe.

The US role and meetings on the sidelines of the summit

Zelensky thanked those who support Ukraine and strive to preserve the unity of Europe and the US. 'Putin will listen to America if America really puts pressure on him and makes one thing clear — either he chooses peace, or he gets no more money for the war,' Anadolu quotes him as saying. Zelensky arrived in Brussels on Thursday for the European Council summit. On Friday he met with the heads of the European Council and the European Commission, as well as with the prime ministers of Hungary, Finland and Sweden. On Thursday he held meetings with Emmanuel Macron, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, King Philippe of Belgium and the prime ministers of Belgium, Denmark and Poland.