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- October 16, 202612°
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Zelensky urges EU to keep Russia sanctions and prepare 22nd package
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged EU leaders at their summit in Brussels not to ease sanctions on Russia and to prepare a strong 22nd sanctions package. Zelensky also said the war would cost Ukraine 155 billion euros next year and that it would need at least 70 billion euros in additional funding.
On the second day of the European Union leaders’ summit in Brussels, Volodymyr Zelensky urged European countries to maintain the sanctions imposed on Russia. The Ukrainian president called on the 27-member bloc to prepare a strong 22nd sanctions package.
Zelensky said all individuals and entities involved in Russia’s production of ballistic missiles, advanced communication systems and drones should be sanctioned. Arguing that Vladimir Putin is trying to drag the war in Ukraine into next year, Zelensky said Europe must be prepared for that possibility.
“I ask you not to ease sanctions against Russia or anyone connected to it. Putin is using every means he can to find money to produce more weapons,” the Ukrainian leader said.
Zelensky warned that any easing of sanctions would be exploited by others as well. Arguing that the U.S.-Russia diesel deal would not offset the impact of the situation in the Strait of Hormuz on global markets, Zelensky said the deal would put more money at Putin’s disposal to finance the war.
Zelensky said the ongoing conflict would cost Ukraine 155 billion euros next year and that at least 70 billion euros in additional funding is needed for spending, including defense procurement.
Ukraine seeks support on frozen assets and air defense
Zelensky called for the issue of Russia’s frozen assets to be addressed. Urging European leaders to use every opportunity to strengthen air defense, the Ukrainian president said a support package of 300 Patriot interceptors is needed against Russian ballistic missiles for the winter.
Saying progress has been made in the EU membership process, Zelensky noted that four negotiating clusters had been opened this year. He said Ukraine wants the remaining two clusters opened by the end of the year and is ready for it.
Zelensky, who also wants the EU membership processes of Ukraine and Moldova to proceed together, said unity in Europe is one of Russia’s targets. He said that, despite their differences, European countries are seeking a functioning security system capable of dealing with today’s threats.
Zelensky said the war must be ended to provide security guarantees not only for Ukraine but for all of Europe. Thanking those who support cooperation between Europe and the United States, the Ukrainian leader argued that if the U.S. increases pressure on Russia, Putin will have to choose between peace and continuing to finance the war.
Zelensky’s Brussels program
Zelensky, who arrived in Brussels on Thursday to attend the European Council summit and hold a series of meetings on its sidelines, met the presidents of the European Council and the European Commission on Friday. The same day, the Ukrainian president also met the prime ministers of Hungary, Finland and Sweden.
On Thursday, Zelensky met French President Emmanuel Macron, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and King Philippe of Belgium, as well as the prime ministers of Belgium, Denmark and Poland.
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