On Monday, 24 February, Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha took part online in a meeting of the European Union's Foreign Affairs Council dedicated to the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale aggression.
Andrii Sybiha stressed that in February 2022, Ukrainians overcame fear and withstood all circumstances and predictions.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs highlighted the crucial moment when a new security architecture is being formed in Europe and stressed that Ukraine will be a fundamental element of it.
‘We must turn the new geopolitical reality into action. And the sooner the better,’ the Minister said.
Andrii Sybiha called on European partners to unite to prevent a new major war in Europe. The Minister noted that Europe must consolidate its efforts to defend its principles.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs also reiterated that Ukraine will not accept any initiatives developed without its participation. He stressed that Ukraine seeks strong security guarantees.
‘In any scenario, we need to strengthen our self-sufficiency. This is our goal in Ukraine. And this should be the goal of the whole of Europe,’ he said.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs also outlined a specific list of actions that will help Europe strengthen its self-sufficiency right now.
‘It is time to move from freezing to confiscation in the sanctions policy. It is necessary to use $300 billion of frozen Russian assets to purchase European and American weapons for the Ukrainian army,' the Minister stressed.
Among other urgent steps, the Minister of Foreign Affairs mentioned the need to make urgent decisions to unblock the Ukraine Assistance Fund under the European Peace Facility and ensure its full functioning.
Andrii Sybiha said that this year Ukraine plans to increase its own weapons production and called on European partners to increase the share of military support for our country, as it is ‘a matter of war and peace in Europe’.
Among the most urgent military needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the Minister noted the need for more air defence systems and ammunition.
The Ukrainian diplomat also stressed the importance of additional military assistance packages from the EU and its member states, which include armoured vehicles, tanks, artillery systems and ammunition, engineering and demining equipment, as well as electronic warfare systems and long-range capabilities. The Minister noted that Ukraine would welcome any new EU initiatives to strengthen military support.
Andrii Sybiha said another effective solution is to increase investment in the Ukrainian defence industry.
‘Every euro invested in Ukrainian equipment today is a euro invested in peace in Europe for decades to come. The Ukrainian Armed Forces are the largest land army on the continent. In any scenario, they will be the force that will protect your homes from war. We are ready to contribute to the new strength of Europe,’ the Minister stressed.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs once again expressed his deep gratitude to the European allies for the unprecedented support provided by the European allies and the EU during the three years of the Ukrainian people's heroic struggle against the Russian aggressor.