03/20/2025
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part online in the meeting of the European Council, which is taking place on March 20 in Brussels. He called on partners to continue supporting our country, invest in the production of both their own and Ukrainian weapons, maintain sanctions against the Russian Federation, and make efforts to unblock the negotiation process on Ukraine’s accession to the EU.
The head of state stressed that despite Russian dictator Vladimir Putin’s promise to stop attacks on the energy sector, Russia launched 171 strike drones last night. The drones attacked infrastructure facilities, and in particular, residential buildings, an Orthodox church and a school were damaged in Kropyvnytskyi. Among the injured are four children who are receiving necessary assistance.
Ukraine faces this every day and every night, so it needs support from partners, which should not decrease, but rather continue and grow. According to the president, this especially applies to air defense, military assistance, and our overall resilience.
“We need funds for artillery shells, and we would be very grateful for European support in the amount of at least 5 billion euros as soon as possible. Investments in weapons production are needed both in Ukraine and in your countries. Europe needs technological independence, including in weapons production. Everything necessary to protect the continent must be produced here, in Europe. We must work on this together,” Zelenskyy said.
The President emphasized that Ukraine has effective and modern technologies , particularly in the field of drones and electronic warfare, which can benefit all of Europe and our global partners, and right now these weapons ensure the country’s defense capability.
“Its further development, constant modernization, and increased efficiency – together with your investments in our industry and in joint production – are the key to a new foundation for European security,” the Ukrainian leader noted.
Zelensky stressed the need to maintain sanctions pressure on Russia due to its military aggression. He emphasized that the sanctions should be in effect until the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from the territory of Ukraine and compensation for all damages caused.
The President called on international partners to continue to counter sanctions-evasion schemes and Russia’s attempts to finance the war. In his opinion, diplomatic efforts should not be accompanied by a relaxation of economic pressure, as this reduces the risks of manipulation by the Kremlin.
According to him, joint actions by Ukraine, the United States, and allies can bring closer the establishment of a just peace.
As OBOZ.UA reported, a summit of leaders of the 27 member states of the European Union kicked off in Brussels on March 20. Among the topics planned to be discussed are assistance to Ukraine, strengthening the EU’s defense production, and the competitiveness of the European Union.
All this talk about weapon production is important. It was always important, but now, after the convicted felon has become a rogue entity and made America completely unreliable as a partner in defense and many other matters, it has become entirely essential. Achieving this as a two-pronged effort – Ukraine-Europe – would be a good strategy.
Of course, if other remaining free countries were to join this effort, like Canada, Japan, etc., it would be even better.