At a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha spoke about lifting restrictions on long-range strikes and called for tougher sanctions against Russia and its "shadow fleet," the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said on Monday, UNN reports.
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During his online speech, Sybiha noted that "a comprehensive, just and lasting peace can only be achieved through force and timely decisions." "Peace through strength means inviting Ukraine to join NATO, lifting restrictions on long-range strikes, allowing neighboring countries to shoot down Russian missiles and drones in Ukrainian skies, strengthening Ukraine's air shield, and increasing sanctions against Russia and its allies," the Foreign Ministry said.
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"We must remain steadfast. No weakening of Russia's international isolation. No appeasement of the aggressor. Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine," Sybiha said.
The Ukrainian foreign minister also called on allies to "resolutely resist any attempts to equate the aggressor - Russia - with Ukraine, which is defending itself against aggression," the ministry said.
The head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry "called for tougher sanctions against Russia's ‘shadow fleet’ that brings Russia profits to wage war." "To stop Russia, we must deprive its war machine of fuel - oil revenues," he emphasized.
The Minister informed his colleagues about the intensification of Russian attacks on Ukrainian port and agricultural infrastructure, which is aimed at weakening Ukraine's economy. In this context, the Foreign Minister called on partners to explore the possibility of developing special ship and terminal insurance programs, which would be a direct and effective way to strengthen Ukraine's economy and resilience.
Sybiha expressed special gratitude to Denmark for being the first country to buy weapons for the Defense Forces directly from Ukraine. "Recently, Sweden and Norway have followed Denmark's example. We call on EU states to join these efforts and invest in our defense industry. We can start right now by creating joint ventures, investing in repair hubs and other projects," the minister said.
The Minister emphasized the importance of further progress towards Ukraine's accession to the EU. He reminded that our country is fulfilling its obligations and remains committed to implementing reforms and transformations.
The Foreign Minister called on his European colleagues to mark 1000 days of Ukraine's resistance to Russia's full-scale aggression by announcing new military and energy aid packages, as well as a clear message to the aggressor: European unity is unshakable, and expectations of concessions or appeasement are futile.
"Ukraine is and should remain a factor of unity. Our struggle is your struggle. Our victory will be your victory," the minister summarized.