Zelenskyy calls on EU to create a "Drone Wall" and strengthen sanctions against Russia

Zelenskyy calls on EU to create a "Drone Wall" and strengthen sanctions against Russia

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during his address to European leaders, called for joint actions to strengthen defense and counter Russian aggression.

Zelenskyy announced that he will arrive in Denmark this evening, where Ukrainian military personnel, together with partners, are working on creating a drone defense system. According to him, this issue is not only technical but also political, as Russian hybrid attacks pose a threat to all of Europe.

"No country in Europe has more experience than Ukraine in defending against drones and missiles. I believe that Europe needs to create a ’Drone Wall’ as soon as possible," – emphasized the President. 

He stressed that this issue concerns not only Ukraine or the eastern flank but all EU countries, including those with access to the Baltic Sea.

Zelenskyy also urged for the swift adoption of the 19th EU sanctions package against Russia and for tightening restrictions on the purchase of Russian oil. He emphasized that a decisive stance by Europe would foster closer cooperation with the United States: «Decisive actions by Europe will strengthen the response of the United States. And those who choose ties with Russia over America are going against both – Europe and the United States».

Separately, the head of state reminded about frozen Russian assets, which should be directed toward the defense and reconstruction of Ukraine, and called on EU countries to join the PURL program, which envisages funding for Ukrainian defense production.

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukrainian military personnel are thwarting Russia’s plans for an offensive, holding the line on the most challenging fronts, and striking at Russia’s fuel infrastructure. He also declared Ukraine’s readiness to open the "Fundamentals" negotiation cluster on the path to EU membership and called for real progress in the EU enlargement process.

"Europe must keep its promises just as candidate countries fulfill their obligations," – concluded the President.