Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed security guarantees for Ukraine with the leaders of five European countries
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi held an online meeting with the Presidents of Poland Karol Nawrotskyi, Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda, Latvia Edgars Rinkevychs, Estonia Alar Karis and the Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Fredericksen. Security guarantees for Ukraine, long-term support of the Armed Forces and increased pressure on Russia were the main topics of discussion.
European leaders expressed their condolences in connection with another Russian attack on Kyiv, and Zelenskyi informed them about its consequences.
“This is Putin’s response to the calls of the world to stop the war. Russia refused to stop the killings – they even said “no” to President Trump. We see negative signals from Russia regarding a possible summit at the level of leaders. We believe that Putin is still only interested in continuing this war. That is why we need new strong pressure on the Russian Federation – tough sanctions, strong tariffs from both Europe and America, Zelenskyi said.
He emphasized the importance of a system of security guarantees, the basis of which should be a powerful Ukrainian army with guaranteed long-term financing, the supply of weapons and the development of their production.
“When we talk about security guarantees, we need clear answers: who will help defend us on land, in the air and at sea if Russia strikes again. And how exactly you can take part – I ask you to define your role, – emphasized the President of Ukraine.
Zelensky also said that the US is ready to participate in this system together with Europe:
“We agreed with President Trump that America will be part of the security guarantees. That’s good, and it’s an extremely important decision. President Trump believes that the Europeans should lead this process, but America is ready to join and help coordinate it.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki noted that he analyzed the economic situation in Russia, and it testifies to the effectiveness of sanctions. He added that he would talk about it with Trump during his visit to Washington next week, and also emphasized that no decisions about Ukraine can be made without Ukraine.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausieda emphasized that everyone realizes that Putin does not seek peace, and his actions are aimed at seizing new territories. According to him, the only way to peace is force, particularly in the form of sanctions.
Estonian President Alar Karis supported the idea that security guarantees should be clearly structured — with a definition of which country and exactly what role it will play. Only after that it will be possible to move on. Latvian President Edgars Rinkevičs said that now it is critically important to increase pressure on Russia and introduce new sanctions.
Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reminded that almost two weeks have passed since the meeting in Washington, but there are no signs of Russia’s readiness for negotiations at the level of leaders. In her opinion, right now it is necessary to increase the pressure on Moscow even more.
