Ukraine’s president on Thursday called on European partners to step up pressure on Russia to force it into direct peace talks with Kiev.
At an EU summit in Brussels on the same day that new sanctions against Russia were adopted, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia still rejected the idea of a ceasefire or even direct dialogue.
“If we put more pressure on Russia, Russia will sit down and talk, and I think that’s the plan,” Zelenskiy said.
He said Kyiv would now coordinate with non-EU partner countries such as Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom to “apply these strong EU measures to our own systems.”
“We need to go further,” Zelensky said Wednesday night, referring to new sanctions announced by the White House targeting two of Russia’s biggest oil companies. “The world should respect EU sanctions the same way they respect US sanctions.”
“This is important work, so let’s get it done. We will establish strong sanctions controls and deliver real consequences for those who break the rules.”
long range weapons and air defense
The White House is considering whether to supply Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles, but President Zelenskiy said: “These long-range weapons are not unique to the United States.”
“Some countries in Europe also have them, including Tomahawk. We are already talking to countries that can help.”
He reiterated that Kiev needs the missiles to protect it from Russia’s stepped-up artillery fire.
“If we don’t want to give them a chance to attack and win, we need to defend and respond,” he said.
President Zelensky said earlier this week that Ukraine was preparing a long-term contract for 25 Patriot artillery batteries. It is the only Western air defense system capable of consistently shooting down Russian ballistic missiles.
But the Patriot system is in high demand, with a years-long waiting list for both the battery itself and the interceptor missile.
President Zelensky said Kiev is asking allies to work together to prioritize its own defense.
“Some countries have already installed Patriot systems, but fortunately they don’t have to use them like we do. We recommend changing the order. If we can get the system now, we will be ready to return or replace it when our turn comes.”
Diplomatic influence on Russia
Kiev believes that strengthening its air defenses and long-range weapons supplies will ultimately bring Russia to the negotiating table.
“Talking about long-range weapons in Ukraine means that the Putin regime should feel the real consequences of this war,” Zelensky told EU leaders. “I urged them to support everything that will help Ukraine acquire such capabilities, because it will make a real difference for Russia.”
“Look at President Putin’s nervousness when this topic comes up. He understands that long-range weapons can truly change the course of the war.”
He did not rule out the possibility that Ukraine still has access to U.S.-made Tomahawk missiles.
“We don’t have a tomahawk yet. You see, every day brings something. Maybe tomorrow we’ll have a tomahawk,” he suggested.
Ukraine’s president will travel from Brussels to London to attend meetings of a coalition of the willing, which Kiev hopes will focus on supplying Ukraine with energy and weapons.