December 22, 2024
Europe and America are able to bring the end of the war closer, a just and reliable peace - the President's speech at the meeting of the European Council thumbnail
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Europe and America are able to bring the end of the war closer, a just and reliable peace – the President’s speech at the meeting of the European Council

I am grateful to all who are working to protect the geopolitical clarity and economic security of our continent. This is possible only by involving all European countries in the structures of the EU and, of course, NATO.”, — write: www.president.gov.ua

Thank you very much!

Mr. President Kosto!

Ursula, Madam President!

Dear leaders!

Thank you for inviting Ukraine to participate in the work of the European Council, especially now, after the renewal of EU institutions.

I am also grateful to you, Mr. President, as has already been said, but I am grateful to you and European Commissioners Kaia Callas and Marta Kos for the visit to Ukraine on the very first day of the mandate of the new EU leadership. And it was both a symbolic event and a real show of support.

Now is the time to reflect on the results of the year and our joint achievements. Europe’s military support for Ukraine has strengthened our ability to defend against Russia, which has saved many lives. Sanctions against Russia are being tightened and this year we have made significant progress against its shadow tanker fleet – we need to stop Putin from using it to finance war, and we need to clear European and international waters of these old ships to prevent oil spills. We must also put pressure on other areas of the Russian economy and energy exports, in particular, impose sanctions on Rosatom, another tool of Russian aggression.

We are united by the expansion of economic cooperation, primarily in the development of our defense industries. We must continue to increase the production of weapons and increase the industrial potential of Europe. And I am grateful to all partners who are already investing in Ukrainian defense production, in particular in drones and artillery, as well as those who allocate significant funds for defense. Arms supplies, increased production, and increased sanctions against Russia to push them toward diplomacy will all be critical next year as well. Europe must be strong.

Our priority is air defense, the implementation of agreements with partners, in particular with the United States, regarding the provision of the necessary systems to Ukraine. We need 19 more systems to protect energy infrastructure, especially nuclear power plants, from Russian missiles. These systems, already stored at partner bases, can save lives. I urge you to continue to support us and help strengthen the White House’s commitment to improving Ukraine’s air defenses. Thank you to everyone who is helping to restore Ukraine’s energy and sustainability. This, along with air defense, is the best response to Russian large-scale missile attacks.

I am grateful to all who are working to protect the geopolitical clarity and economic security of our continent. This is possible only by involving all European countries in the structures of the EU and, of course, NATO. No democratic nation should be left out of a united Europe and the Alliance – this applies to Ukraine, Moldova, and the Balkan countries. Unfortunately, the Russian-controlled mafia in Georgia is working to drag the country under Putin’s influence and divert it from the European path. The current government in Tbilisi refuses to cooperate with the EU. I urge you to put pressure, especially on Ivanishvili and his cronies, to prevent them from profiting from Georgia’s stolen European future and wasted decades of progress. We cannot afford to lose a single country in our Europe, because the fall of one will bring us all closer to division and conflict. And it is extremely important to support the European choice of Moldova, and it is not only about the elections, but also about the prosperity of the people of Moldova – they should feel the power of Europe in the fight against poverty.

We in Ukraine are grateful for the start of negotiations on EU membership and hope to achieve maximum progress next year, during the presidencies of Poland and Denmark. Our goal is to open all clusters within the next year.

We have made significant progress in ensuring the financial stability of Ukraine. With your support, we feel more confident about next year. I am grateful to each and every country that we have entered into long-term support agreements with, it is a great help. And we must also clearly define the frozen Russian assets – they must be used more actively to counter aggression.

And about diplomacy, of course. America and Europe must be at the negotiating table when the time comes. Like Ukraine, the EU should start negotiations from a strong position, and Europe’s strength lies in unity.

We need coordinated work for a lasting peace, not just the suspension of hostilities that Putin wants to buy time. We have to push Moscow towards real, stable and guaranteed peace.

And we all understand that in January, President Trump will increase efforts to end the war. It depends on us whether Europe will support him with a strong, united voice.

It is important for us to work, and precisely together, so that China, India, Saudi Arabia, Brazil and other partners from the Global South not only respect the territorial integrity of Ukraine, but also use their influence on Russia when necessary. We ask Europe to pay more attention to the role of these countries, as they can push Russia to respect the principles of territorial integrity, which will be in their own interests and contribute to the rapprochement of peace.

It is also important for Europe to make a significant contribution to guaranteeing security. We support France’s initiative for a military contingent in Ukraine within the framework of these guarantees and call on other partners to join this effort, which will help put an end to the war.

Europe and America can bring an end to the war, a just and reliable peace. However, in order for the United States to apply maximum pressure, Europe must take a clear position. What will make Russia recognize the need for peace?

First: geopolitical clarity for Ukraine and Europe – inviting Ukraine to join NATO.

Second: clear progress in the issue of Ukraine’s membership in the EU.

Third: strengthening our defense with the promised weapons and anti-aircraft systems, as well as urgent equipping of brigades.

Fourth: increasing investment in arms production in Ukraine and Europe for capacity building.

Fifth: preservation and strengthening of sanctions against Russia until full-fledged, long-term peace is achieved.

Sixth: more active use of frozen Russian assets to support peace efforts.

Seventh: social sustainability – helping Ukraine rebuild schools, hospitals, energy infrastructure to ensure normal life. This is proof of the failure of the Russian war.

Thank you very much, Mr. President, for the invitation! Thank you all for your support!

Glory to Ukraine!

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