Thread by @ZelenskyyUa

Addressing the European Council, I stated: the world is clearly unstable. But the EU plays a key role in preventing Russia’s war from spreading and in moving toward peace. Its sanctions against Russia remain one of the most effective tools for limiting the aggression.

It’s important not to forget that the war Russia brought to Europe is still ongoing. In Moscow, there are still plans to expand this pressure against Ukraine, against European countries, and against the EU itself.

This is Putin’s dream: a fragmented Europe, where marginal voices gain influence and speak not for unity, but for division. Russia supports anyone, no matter how extreme, who tries to weaken Europe from the inside.

Most of you see this threat clearly and are standing against it. As a result, today’s Europe is much stronger than it was 5 years ago. That is what unity gives us.

Without Europe, preventing Russia’s war from spreading and moving toward peace would not be possible. I thank you for your help. Ukraine is ready for a just peace. Ukraine is ready for a ceasefire. It is Russia that blocks everything. And this is why pressure must increase.

Sanctions against Russia remain one of the most effective tools for limiting its aggression. A strong 18th EU sanctions package is needed, targeting Russia’s oil trade, shadow tanker fleet, banks, and supply chains that bring equipment or parts for making weapons.

Some European companies are still sending critical components to Russia. These end up in missiles and other weapons used to kill Ukrainians. We’re identifying these materials and will share evidence with your teams.

Sanctions should also target not just Russian tankers, but their captains, and the terminals that Russia uses to ship its oil. Russia’s military ambitions grow when its oil revenues are high.

We’ve seen how strongly some European countries still depend on Russian oil. We understand this, and we act carefully, as our partnership with the EU requires. Yet we don’t always feel that same understanding in return when it comes to Ukraine’s needs.

It feels especially strange to hear such strong criticism, even political pressure, from some leaders, while our respect for EU rules allows oil to keep flowing. We should think: either we all follow the same rules, or there will be fewer advantages for everyone.

The facts are clear: for Russia’s appetite for war to shrink, its oil revenues must shrink. We urge you to support further steps to lower the price cap on Russian oil. A $45 cap could help move toward peace. But for real, lasting peace, a cap of $30 per barrel is needed.

Predictability is one of today’s key resources. Russia applies pressure through unpredictability and chaos. Our defense against Russian aggression must remain stable and reliable. This means continuing freezing Russian assets, and using them to fund Ukraine’s needs.

We value the EU’s SAFE program, and believe Ukraine should be a full part of it. We have the most battlefield-tested knowledge of what weapons work best. Ukraine should take part in joint defense purchases – both from EU and Ukrainian producers.

The recent NATO summit showed it clearly: America remains with Europe, but it expects Europe to strengthen its own defense capabilities each year. The best way to do that is together. This is a signal from our side.

Budgetary support remains vital. Every one of you understands: war creates budget deficits. Under constant Russian attacks, no European country could manage that alone. That’s why we count on your continued support to cover our budget needs – especially for next year.

Ukraine is meeting all its EU accession commitments, including those related to relations with our neighbors. So it’s only fair we receive clear, supportive signals from the EU in return – signals that recognize our progress.

What’s needed now is a clear political message that Ukraine is firmly on the European path, and Europe stands by its promises. Any delay by Europe at this point could create a global precedent – a reason to doubt Europe’s words and commitments.

Opening Cluster One “Fundamentals” could be more than just a technical step. It would be a political decision that defines Ukraine’s future integration with Europe. We are also working to be ready on all clusters this year.

What we’re discussing here isn’t just politics or procedure. It’s what gives motivation and strength to those defending their families and our independence against Russia’s criminal war. The stronger your decisions – the stronger our defense, and the closer peace comes.