Zelenskyy: 20th EU sanction package against Russia at standstill

Joint efforts are essential to ensure that the Russians do not enter the next negotiations feeling that their position has been strengthened, particularly with the 20th EU sanction package against Russia at a dead end, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

In the past few days, we have received signals from the American side that talks may resume soon. But with what mindset will the Russian side come to the talks this time? It depends on all of us together to make sure the Russians do not come to these talks feeling that their position has grown much stronger. And it is not only because of the situation around Iran, which is pushing global oil prices higher,” Zelenskyy said, addressing the European Council on Thursday.

The President explained that this is due, in particular, to the fact that the Russians see the active use of air defense missiles in the Middle East and the Gulf region, and they may think that Ukraine will face a shortage of missiles.

“Second, the EU’s 20th sanctions package against Russia is stalled. It could have continued the pressure on Russia to move toward real peace,” the President stressed.

He also added that the USA has eased some sanctions against Russia, and this is bringing significant funds into the Russian military budget.

Zelenskyy also recalled that the EUR 90 billion loan, which is the most important financial guarantee of security for Ukraine, has not been working for the third month in a row, and the head of state added that “even today, we do not know for sure whether this support will be unblocked.”