Support for air defense, energy and stability of Ukraine, strengthening of sanctions against the Russian Federation, the negotiation process and security guarantees are the main topics of the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing
The President emphasized that Russia is attacking Ukrainian energy and civilians, which is why Ukraine is experiencing a terrible winter. "Only the help of our friends and the resilience of our people allowed us to survive. That is why we are asking you to help us restore the power system. I hope we will finish this war, but in any case we have next winter to think about, and we need quick steps. We have plans," emphasized Volodymyr Zelenskyi.
Another point is the strengthening of anti-aircraft defense, primarily with missiles for anti-aircraft defense. The head of state thanked NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and everyone who supports the PURL program. According to the President, two days ago Ukraine received half of the new air defense package within the PURL and expects to continue this program. In addition, it is important to continue the sanctions work.
Ukraine is counting on the next package of EU sanctions, and it is important that it blocks the Russian shadow fleet. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer added that it is important to increase pressure on the Russian economy, primarily to reduce Russia's income from oil sales. That is why Great Britain today announced the largest package of sanctions against more than 300 Russian energy companies and 48 vessels of the shadow fleet.
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that it is necessary to move forward in the negotiation process, while realizing that Russia has not yet demonstrated a desire for peace. According to him, the partners are ready to support Ukrainian energy and will discuss this issue, in particular, at the level of the Group of Seven.
Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz noted: it is important that in April Ukraine receives the first funds from the European Union's credit assistance of 90 billion euros. He also added: security guarantees should be such that aggression against Ukraine never happens again. Volodymyr Zelensky also emphasized: Ukraine is doing everything possible to maximally involve Europeans in the negotiation process to achieve a decent peace.
"We will have a three-way format, I think, within this week or ten days. We need peace, but we must be ready for any other challenges from the Russian side," the President said.
The following personally took part in the meeting in Kyiv: President of Finland Alexander Stubb, President of the European Council Antoniou Košta, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Estonia Kristen Michal, Prime Minister of Iceland Kristrun Frostadouttir, Prime Minister of Latvia Evika Silinia, Prime Minister Jonas Gar Stere of Norway, Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plenkovic, Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson, Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland Radoslaw Sikorski, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Great Britain Yvette Cooper, Minister of Foreign Affairs, EU and Cooperation of Spain Jose Manuel Albarez Bueno and Minister of National Defense of Lithuania Robertas Kaunas.
The meeting was also attended online by the Presidents of Cyprus and Romania, the Federal Chancellor of Austria, the Prime Ministers of Belgium, Bulgaria (acting), Greece, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Canada, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Montenegro, the Secretary General of NATO, the Vice President of the European Commission, the Vice President of Turkey, the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, the Minister of Defense of Albania and Chief Advisor to the Cabinet of Ministers of Japan.