Zelensky meets EU, NATO leaders to discuss additional sanctions on Russia, defense cooperation

According to Ukrinform, the Office of the President of Ukraine reported this.

“For us, the most important thing is the unity of NATO countries, of all of Europe and the European Union. This opens the path to strengthening Ukraine, providing us with strong support to help all our people. Thank you for the air defense, the additional military packages, and for standing firmly with us,” said Zelensky.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stressed that support for Ukraine in the future will be closely linked to the defense spending of NATO member states.

Zelensky also noted that Ukraine looks forward to active cooperation with EU countries within the framework of the new SAFE (Security Action for Europe) defense instrument, which envisages up to EUR 150 billion in funding for the development of Europe’s defense industry.

The parties also discussed in detail the negotiation process on Ukraine’s EU accession talks, as Kyiv expects the leaders of EU Member States to reach consensus on the opening of the first negotiation cluster, “Fundamentals”.

“I very much welcome the recent European Commission assessment of your remarkable reform efforts under such difficult conditions. Without doubt, we have met the conditions for moving forward with the EU accession process,” said António Costa.

Additionally, the meeting focused on new sanctions against Russia, including the 18th EU sanctions package, aimed at increasing pressure on Russia’s energy and banking sectors, targeting its shadow fleet, and lowering the price cap on Russian oil to USD 30.

As reported by Ukrinform, the NATO summit is currently taking place in The Hague, with key topics including increased defense spending, boosting defense industrial capacity in NATO countries, and continued support for Ukraine.

Photo credit: Office of the President of Ukraine