Zelenskyy explained how the 17th package of European sanctions should encourage Russia towards peace

Zelenskyy explained how the 17th package of European sanctions should encourage Russia towards peace

The new, 17th, package of sanctions by the European Union against Russia is a step in the right direction. There should be as many such steps as needed to make Moscow interested in peace. The entire energy infrastructure of the aggressor country financing the war, all Russian banks, financial schemes, and military industry should be targets for sanctions.

This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an evening video address on Tuesday, May 20. "Today there are important decisions regarding sanctions. The new European sanctions package is the 17th. This is a step in the right direction," he said.

Zelenskyy added that there should be as many sanctioning steps "as needed to make Russia interested in peace and feel the full cost of aggression and the desire to prolong the war."

After all, it’s Russia that is prolonging the war, and therefore its oil, tanker fleet, entire energy infrastructure financing the war, all their banks, all financial schemes, military industry – "all of this should be targets for sanctions."

The head of state detailed his discussion with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the next European sanctions steps. The 18th package of sanctions is already being prepared, added the Ukrainian leader.

"There is also the UK decision on sanctions – I thank them for this. We continue to work on different levels with America regarding sanctions. We are convincing that this is exactly what is needed so that Putin doesn’t lie about ending the war. Time will prove us right," stated Zelenskyy.

Additionally, the president noted that today Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon visited Ukraine – this, according to Zelenskyy, is very symbolic, and Ukraine values this gesture.

"This is a step in support of our people, the struggle of Ukrainians for their state and independence. We are doing a lot together – Ukraine and Norway. This year, Norway will provide our state with almost 8 billion dollars in support," said the Ukrainian leader.

Meanwhile, in a conversation with Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, they "discussed energy in particular – ensuring Ukraine’s energy resilience."

There will also be more investments in Ukrainian drone production, the head of state reported.

Moreover, Zelenskyy spoke about current talks with partners.

"Today we continue to work very actively with our partners," he said.

The president added that he had conversations with Finland’s President Alexander Stubb, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Ursula von der Leyen, and Jonas Gahr Støre.

"Today, I still have conversations ahead – we are not finishing the day. We need common positions and even more coordinated work. Diplomacy is stronger when we are all together," stated Zelenskyy.

Partners also discuss "details and ideas from yesterday’s conversation" with U.S. President Donald Trump – it is essential that America remains part of the peace process, the head of state said:

"It is precisely America that Russia fears, and it is American influence that can save many lives if it impacts Putin to end the war. We are talking with partners about the next meetings with the Russians – direct negotiations to which Ukraine is absolutely ready, in any format that will yield results. I am grateful to everyone who helps us."