Zelenskyy: European partners ready to step up pressure on Russia
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Office of the President of Ukraine)
Ukraine is receiving positive signals from European partners regarding their readiness to apply stronger and more active pressure on Russia. Partners have also expressed interest in Ukraine’s negotiations with the United States and Russia, stated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his evening address.
Zelenskyy noted that there is "very sincere interest" from partners regarding talks with the US and the Russian side. Partners support Ukraine, and all teams involved in the negotiations are working actively.
"Today, together with government officials and the Presidential Office team, we worked on a document regarding reconstruction. I hope our partners approach these tasks with the same dedication," he said.
Zelenskyy outlined several priority issues under active work:
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clear security guarantees for Ukraine and Europe;
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definite commitments and opportunities for Ukraine’s reconstruction;
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real opportunities to end this war with dignity.
"Right now, no one in the world should have any doubts about the nature of this war, who started it, and why it is still ongoing. Everyone understands that this is Russia’s war. And the responsibility to end it is also Russia’s. Pressure on Russia must continue," the President emphasized.
Zelenskyy also highlighted "good signals" from European partners about their readiness to increase pressure on Russia. It is particularly important to target Russia’s shadow fleet and its entire oil export infrastructure.
Ukraine and Europe will benefit greatly if Russian revenues are further cut. Russia is already facing massive challenges with its federal budget, economic indicators, and inflation.
"These are all positive and correct signals to bring peace closer. The harder it gets for Russia, the closer peace becomes," Zelenskyy concluded.
Zelenskyy is also ready to personally meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin to discuss territorial issues and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant — key topics currently discussed by trilateral negotiators from the US, Ukraine, and Russia.
The first trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the US took place over the past weekend. They were positively evaluated by the US, which described the meeting as constructive. However, several issues remain for discussion. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for February.
