Ammunition, grain, and accession talks: Zelenskyy appeals to EU leaders at summit

"This is Russia’s war not only against Ukraine, but against all of us, against your countries as well, against our entire Europe and the European way of life," the president said.

Air defense

Zelenskyy noted that all the air defense provided to Ukraine, including by European countries, saves the lives of Ukrainian cities and villages.

"But the existing air defense systems are not enough to protect our entire territory from Russian terror. And it’s not a matter of hundreds of systems, but of an achievable number – to protect all the territory of Ukraine. You all know what steps need to be taken," added the head of state.

Ammunition

The president thanked for the creation of the Ukraine Assistance Fund in the amount of 5 billion euros and for the support of the Czech initiative to purchase ammunition for Ukrainian soldiers.

"This will help. Thank you. Unfortunately, the use of artillery at the frontline by our soldiers is humiliating for Europe in the sense that Europe can provide more. And it is crucial to prove it now," he said.

Defense production

"​I hope we can all agree that our Europe needs real defence self-sufficiency. This can only be achieved by increasing the production of weapons and ammunition on the continent. Ukraine demonstrates that it can be done quite quickly," said Zelenskyy.

He emphasized that it is important not to waste the time needed to activate defense production.

Trade policy

The president noted that Ukraine cannot accept that pressure on the country in trade matters is the ground for Russian terror.

"I am grateful to all those in Europe who also see this pressure as unacceptable. Now, the issue of trade – in particular the continuation of the trade liberalization regime with the EU, is not just about certain goods but about the ability to withstand Russian aggression," he emphasized.

Import of Russian agricultural products

The Ukrainian leader also criticized the import of Russian agricultural products.

"At the same time we see that, unfortunately, Russian access to the European agricultural market is still unrestricted. And when Ukrainian grain is thrown on the roads or railway tracks, Russian products are still being transported to Europe, as well as goods from Putin’s controlled Belarus. This is not fair," said Zelenskyy.

Negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine is fulfilling its obligations regarding internal transformation.

"...we know that the EU has a negotiating framework ready for your consideration. Its approval could greatly support our people and send the right signal to the whole of Europe after the European Parliament elections in June," he concluded.

Frozen Russian assets

The president stressed the need for progress in the fair use of frozen Russian assets.

"The aggressor should pay the highest price for the war – this is in line with both the letter and the spirit of the law," he said.

EU summit

On March 21-22, the EU summit is taking place with the participation of leaders of the bloc's countries. The head of the European Council, Charles Michel, in the invitation to the summit, noted that the European Union needs to switch to a wartime economy due to possible future threats from the Russian Federation.

He emphasized that the bloc is facing the greatest security threat since World War II. Therefore, it is time to take radical and concrete steps to be prepared for defense and put the EU economy on "war footing."

At the same time, European leaders have repeatedly warned of the threat of Russian aggression. In particular, the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, admitted the possibility of an attack by the aggressor country in 2026.