The president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, expressed this Friday his gratitude for the support received from the heads of State and Government of the European Union, whom he has described as "the real leaders," before intervening in the European Council that has been held since Thursday in Brussels. His words come as he maintains a confrontation with the president of the United States, Donald Trump, over allowing the entry of Russian diesel into the U.S. market and over the American leader's criticisms of Ukrainian attacks on refineries in Russian territory.
"I am glad to be here. I am very grateful for the enormous support we receive from the European Council, from the European Commission, and from the leaders, real leaders, who have been by our side since the beginning of this war. It is essential to have that backing," he stated in an appearance before the media alongside the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the president of the European Council, António Costa.
The Ukrainian leader added that he does not perceive Russia as willing to stop its offensive, which is why he insisted that Ukraine must prepare for the upcoming winter, which involves strengthening energy reserves, improving air defense, and securing the necessary funding. In this context, he reiterated his recognition to the European Union for standing by Kiev.
Zelensky explained that these issues will be the core of his discussions with European leaders during the Council, in which he also plans to address matters such as the budgetary needs for 2027 and the progress of Ukraine's accession process to the European Union, just a few days after the opening of two more negotiation chapters.
European support for the energy ceasefire
"Our support for Ukraine remains as firm as ever. This is not the time to withdraw support from Ukraine. This is not the time to lift sanctions against Russia. Now is the time to increase our support and to raise the pressure, and this is fundamental," Costa stated, emphasizing that, for Moscow to accept a ceasefire, sanctions should not be relaxed.
The Portuguese socialist politician has assured Zelensky that he can count on the unanimous support of the European Council, not only while the war lasts but also on the path to full integration into the EU. "We must continue to advance in this process and I want to congratulate you for it. I also want to congratulate your Parliament, because, in the midst of a terrible war, you continue to fulfill your commitments, negotiating, approving measures, and carrying out reforms. Thank you very much for your example as Europeans," he concluded.
Von der Leyen, for her part, has condemned that Russia is "doing everything possible to destroy energy and water supply infrastructures," and has guaranteed that the European Union will continue to support Kiev "during the previous winters" and those to come.
The president of the Commission has supported President Trump's proposal to establish an energy ceasefire, although she has emphasized that "Russia has not respected it for a single minute," but rather, on the contrary, "has intensified its attacks."
"Therefore, we need to increase pressure on Russia. We will move forward with the 22nd package of sanctions, and there is something that is absolutely clear: we will not lift any sanctions unless Russia ends the war," she concluded.