Sanctions against Russia must be strengthened until it ends war - Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this at a joint briefing with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic in Kyiv on Sunday, May 8, according to Ukrinform.

"It is necessary to strengthen sanctions pressure on Russia until Russia stops this war against our state, against our people, until it liberates our land and until it begins to respect freedom in Europe. It is necessary to raise the price of this aggression. We are grateful for Croatia's readiness to support the EU's sixth sanctions package," Zelensky said.

He also discussed with Plenkovic cooperation in restoring normal life in the deoccupied areas of Ukraine.

"In retreating, the Russian military left […] thousands of mines and booby traps. They did everything possible to do as much damage as possible to make people suffer even after deoccupation. I believe that this is not just a challenge to our people, this is a challenge to everyone in Europe who respects and values simple priorities, who just appreciates life. Therefore, it will be right to react to all this together," Zelensky said.

Zelensky added that the issues of Ukraine's integration into the EU and protection of Europe's energy freedom were also discussed.

"I am grateful to Croatia and personally to Prime Minister Plenkovic for his strong support on [Ukraine's] road to the European Union," he added.

Photo: President's Office