On Monday, July 13, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha participated in a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels.
Andrii Sybiha reported on Russia’s recent barbaric ballistic missile strikes on peaceful Ukrainian cities and emphasized the urgent need to establish Europe’s own missile defense capabilities as soon as possible, under Ukraine’s leadership.
According to him, for Europe, this issue concerns both ending the current war and deterring future aggression.
“This is not just about helping Ukraine. It is about our own security and deterrence. Russia must lose its remaining ballistic advantage. It is the battle for the sky that will define the trajectory of the war”, the Minister noted.
The Foreign Minister called on European partners to actively participate in an anti-ballistic coalition led by Ukraine.
The Minister briefed EU member states on the situation on the battlefield, the progress of peace efforts and Europe’s role in them, as well as successes in the development of Ukraine’s defense industry.
Andrii Sybiha paid special attention to preparations for the adoption of the 21st package of EU sanctions, new cyber sanctions, and other restrictions against the aggressor. He emphasized the critical importance of increasing sanctions pressure to compel Moscow to make peace.
The minister also welcomed the Council’s decision to extend sectoral sanctions for 12 months instead of 6: “This makes the sanctions regime stronger and more predictable”.
“We hope that the same approach will soon be applied to individual sanctions as well. We are grateful to the EU for continuing to ramp up sanctions pressure over the past eight months”, he said.
The Minister stressed the need to impose sanctions against Rosatom and Roscosmos, tighten restrictions on key sectors of the Russian economy, and disconnect Gazprombank from the SWIFT system. The foreign minister also emphasized that Ukraine expects a ban to be imposed on vehicles involved in Russian LNG shipments.
Andrii Sybiha also called on the EU and its member states to take a clear stance and speak with one voice regarding the unacceptability of easing Russia’s isolation within international sports organizations.
“Russia has not ceased its aggression. Russia has not withdrawn its troops from Ukraine. Russia has not returned to compliance with international law. So why should its isolation be weakened? International sports cannot be a platform where Russia regains its legitimacy”, he emphasized.
Andrii Sybiha thanked the Cypriot Presidency for its comprehensive support and for the historic opening of the first cluster of negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the EU. According to the minister, this decision demonstrated the European Union’s ability to act swiftly. He expressed gratitude for the EU’s support, which has enabled Ukraine to strengthen its defense capabilities and resilience.
“I am grateful to the Irish EU Presidency for keeping the issue of support for Ukraine among its priorities. The anticipated opening of the sixth cluster marks a strong start to the voting process. We look forward to the remaining clusters being opened as soon as possible”, the Minister noted.