On Monday, December 15, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha took part online in the Council of Foreign Ministers of the European Union, the last meeting of the heads of foreign affairs departments of the EU states this year.
The Minister informed the European allies about the dynamics of peace efforts, the work of the President of Ukraine to achieve peace, and the results of recent negotiations between the Ukrainian and American delegations in Berlin. The Minister emphasized the importance of coordination with European allies.
The Minister emphasized the need for legally binding security guarantees for Ukraine.
"It is very important for Ukraine to have clear confidence in security guarantees and their legally binding nature. The three fundamental elements are a strong and well-equipped Ukrainian army, a strong Ukrainian defense industry, which is part of the European defense industry, and Ukraine's membership in the EU," the Minister noted.
The Foreign Minister also informed his European colleagues about the operation of the Ukrainian armed forces in Kupyansk, Kharkiv region, which Russian generals declared "captured" in late November.
"This was a quick, smart and successful operation of the Defense Forces. President Zelensky's visit to Kupyansk is the best response to Russian lies and propaganda. Russia does not win, and Ukraine does not lose. Ukrainian soldiers are real heroes who not only defend Ukraine, but also buy time for all of Europe," he noted.
Andrii Sybiha also noted that Europe, together with the United States, has all the necessary leverage to put critical pressure on Russia.
“We expect the European Council this week to take a principled decision on the full use of Russia’s frozen assets to support Ukraine.”
The Foreign Minister stressed that the European Commission’s proposal for a reparations loan is a reasonable and fair approach. He also welcomed the ongoing preparation of the EU’s twentieth package of sanctions.
“The Kremlin must finally realize that it will not achieve its strategic goals — neither in Ukraine, nor in Europe, nor in the Euro-Atlantic space as a whole. "By working together, we can make time work against Putin," the Ukrainian diplomat said.
The Minister informed his partners about Ukraine's countermeasures against the Russian "shadow fleet" and called on the EU to act decisively in this direction.
"The sanctions are working, as evidenced by the Russian budget deficit this year, as well as Russia's attempts to avoid new restrictions," the diplomat added.
The Minister called on his European colleagues to further strengthen the resilience of Ukraine's energy sector, including additional support in the areas of gas supply, electricity networks, and equipment for energy and water supply.
"The best energy support for Ukraine is strengthening our air defense. We need more missiles, Patriots, drones, interceptors, electronic warfare means," the minister emphasized.
Andrii Sybiha called for support for Ukraine and noted that our state will remain a key contributor to European security and continue reforms on the path to the EU.
"We insist on the earliest possible opening of the first clusters of negotiations with Moldova," the minister said.
The Foreign Minister also noted that the new geopolitical reality requires complex discussions on security, military service and the arms race.
"Ukraine is ready to make its contribution as an equal ally and member of the EU. We are already making it every day, paying the highest price - the lives of our people. We are fighting for the values that have shaped European civilization. We must defend them together," he emphasized.
Andrii Sybiha expressed deep gratitude to the European allies for their comprehensive support and assistance to Ukraine.