Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged the EU not to ease sanctions against Russia, stressing the need for a “strong” 22nd sanctions package from the 27-member union, while asking EU leaders for an extra $79B in support next year.
Speaking on the second day of an EU leaders’ summit in Brussels, Zelenskyy accused his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, of seeking to “drag out” the war in Ukraine into next year, saying Europe must be ready for this.
“I urge you not to ease sanctions against Russia or anyone linked to it. Putin uses every trick he can find to get money for making more weapons,” Zelenskyy said, noting Ukraine has warned that sanctions relief will result in others taking advantage.
The Ukrainian leader argued that the diesel deal between the US and Russia will never be enough to offset the impact of the situation in the Strait of Hormuz on global markets but will rather “put more money straight into Putin’s pocket to fund this war.”
He stressed the need for a strong 22nd EU sanctions package, particularly calling for sanctions against all involved in the production of Russian ballistic missiles, advanced communications systems and drones.
More funds
Zelenskyy said the financial cost of the ongoing conflict for Ukraine will be $174 billion next year, and it needs at least $79 billion more for spending, including in terms of defence purchases.
"The war will cost 155 billion euros next year. And we need at least 70 billion euros more from you for defence, for weapons, and for our resilience," Zelenskyy said.
"This is a realistic amount. And I ask you to find this support. It will help us hold Russia back."
He stressed the need to deal with Russian frozen assets, as well as called on European leaders to use every opportunity to strengthen air defence, emphasising the need for a winter package consisting of 300 Patriot interceptors against Russian ballistic missiles.
“We are grateful that the EU is moving toward us. Four EU accession clusters have already been opened this year. And we need to open the remaining two by the end of the year. We are ready,” Zelenskyy said, calling on the union to keep Ukraine and Moldova's membership processes tied together.
Defining unity in Europe as a target for Russia, Zelenskyy said that in spite of disagreements and their differences, all of them seek a security system in Europe that “really works and can deal with today’s threats.”
“So, as we work now to finally stop Putin, to stop his war, we are doing this not just for Ukraine alone. We are working for security guarantees for all of Europe. For guarantees that this war will not be passed down to our children,” he said.
European Council summit
He expressed gratitude to those supporting Ukraine and those trying to keep Europe and the US together. “Putin will listen to America if America really turns up the heat on him and makes one thing clear: either he chooses peace, or he gets no more money for his war,” he said.
Zelenskyy arrived in Brussels on Thursday to attend the European Council summit and hold a number of talks on the sidelines of the event.
Zelenskyy met with the presidents of the European Council and European Commission, as well as held talks with the Hungarian, Finnish and Swedish prime ministers on Friday.
On Thursday, he met his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Belgian King Philippe, and the prime ministers of Belgium, Denmark, and Poland.
