Addressing the Ambrosetti Forum I stressed: Europe needs a new network of modern defense production – countries supporting each other, producing protection not just for themselves but for all of Europe. This will make Europe stronger and more resilient.
Even as Russia tries to prolong the war, we are already building a security system that will push it toward peace. On land, in the air, at sea – our strength that will pressure Russia to stop the war.
We need more systems to shoot down missiles and drones, and modern fighter jets. Russia’s main tool of war is killing civilians. Limiting their ability to attack means moving closer to peace.
The Coalition of the Willing now includes 35 countries – 26 ready to provide real security guarantees. These must work now, during the war, not only after it. President Trump confirmed: America is ready to take part.
President Trump expects a stronger Europe with closer US coordination. But he’s disappointed some countries still buy Russian oil, funding Putin’s war machine. Energy independence from Russia is vital for Europe’s security and is a key to strong relations with the US.
Ukraine’s recovery is a fundamental economic project for all of Europe, that should give growth and development to every European country. We count on strong partners like Italy and its business. For us, EU membership and the reconstruction are also elements of security. I’m grateful to Giorgia Meloni for her support in this, and to the people of Italy for hearing us and standing with Ukraine. I hope that Italy’s participation will be truly strong and visible.
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A strong Ukrainian army is and will remain the central element of security guarantees. Its capabilities – funding, weapons, production – that we ensure now, and should be in a year, in five years, in ten years from now. Both in wartime and to guarantee security in peace.
Today was the largest meeting of the Coalition of the Willing so far in terms of the number of countries. I thank all the leaders who joined us today in Paris and online, as well as the representatives of states, for their engagement, ideas, and their readiness to support us on the path to peace with concrete steps.
The key theme: ending the war as soon as possible through strong steps, strong decisions and to guarantee security for Ukraine. In fact, every meeting is built around two elements: our security already now, that is, support for defense and diplomacy, and long-term security guarantees.
At Ukraine-Nordic-Baltic States Summit, I noted that Russian economy is in bad shape: fuel and labor shortages, many industries in decline. Putin constantly humiliates before China as he tries to sell them as much raw material as possible. This is telling – sanctions are working.
Last night, Russia launched another massive strike – nearly 500 drones and over 20 missiles, including ballistic. These strikes are now regular, several times a week. A clear signal that Russia rejects any attempt to end the war and wants to keep fighting. We must assume this is Russia’s main scenario now.
We began a concrete discussion with partners on two key issues: our defense now, while Russia’s war continues, and our defense in the future – the security guarantees we need, since Russia stays on its course.
Two weeks ago in Washington, it was stated that by this time the Russians should be ready for real negotiations—a meeting at the leaders’ level. Ukraine is definitely ready for this. But the only thing Russia is doing is investing further in war. All their signals point to that.
Now, during his visit to China, Putin will once again try to wriggle out. That is his number one sport. Everyone in the world has declared that the fire must cease. Everyone has insisted that the war must end. That has also been China’s position.
I have discussed this with the Prime Minister of India. Also with other leaders who are now at the summit – Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan. Almost everyone else in the world is also for ending the war. Today there was an important statement from the Pope.
In Washington we heard that Putin is supposedly ready to end the war – to meet at the leaders’ level and resolve key issues. But instead he chooses ballistics over any real steps toward peace. He kills children in order not to talk about when and how peace will come.
All day in Kyiv, rescue operations continued after one of the largest Russian strikes – nearly 600 drones and 31 missiles, including ballistic. At least 19 people were killed, among them 4 children. My deepest condolences to their families and loved ones.
This strike clearly shows that Russia’s goals have not changed. They want war, striking not only our people and cities but everyone in the world who seeks peace. It is a strike against Ukraine, against Europe, also against President Trump, and against other global actors.
In Mukachevo, the Russians practically burned down an American company producing electronics—home appliances, nothing military. The Russians knew exactly where they lobbed the missiles. We believe this was a deliberate attack against American property and investments in Ukraine.
Telling attack, right as the world awaits a clear answer from Russia on negotiations to end the war. There are two formats—at the level of leaders—where progress is feasible. Bilateral—Ukraine and Russia. And trilateral—Ukraine, the US, and Russia. We discussed this in Washington. Putin spoke about it on the call with President Trump.
Now, the signals coming from Russia are simply outrageous. They are trying to wriggle out of holding a meeting. They don’t want to end this war. They continue their massive attacks on Ukraine and their ferocious assaults along the frontline.
Today in Brussels, I outlined our positions on transatlantic unity, peace efforts, territorial issues, and security guarantees, including Ukraine’s EU accession.
It’s crucial that Europe remains as united as it was in 2022. This strong unity is essential to achieve a real peace.
We have to stop the killings. Putin has many demands but we do not know all of them. If there are really as many as we heard, then it will take time to go through them all. It is impossible to do this under the pressure of weapons.
It’s necessary to cease fire and work quickly on a final deal. We’ll talk about it in Washington, D.C. Putin does not want to stop the killings. But he must do it.