Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba participated online in a meeting of EU foreign and defense ministers, along with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
The head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry informed his European counterparts about the critical needs of our country to counter Russian aggression and the changing situation on the battlefield in favor of Ukraine. He reminded of President Volodymyr Zelensky's call for immediate action, not discussions, to support our state.
"We can prevent worse scenarios if we act together and without fear. Concrete and bold decisions are needed today for the rapid provision of additional Patriot and SAMP/T systems to Ukraine, missiles for them, artillery, ammunition, other weapons, and equipment. Now that you are gathered at one table, it's time to act, not to discuss," the Minister emphasized.
The Ukrainian foreign and defense ministers expressed gratitude to their European colleagues for all the military and other support provided to Ukraine since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion.
"We all welcome the decision of the US House of Representatives to provide a powerful support package for Ukraine. But we in Europe cannot and should not relax. Firstly, European defense is primarily our, Europeans' business. Secondly, after six months of discussions in the US, Europe has demonstrated real leadership and the ability to act. I am grateful to you for this. We must remember this feeling and continue Europe's forward movement," said Dmytro Kuleba.
The Minister emphasized that Ukraine is capable of stopping Russian aggression on its territory and preventing its spread to other countries, as repeatedly emphasized by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
"Strength stops Russia. Caution only provokes it. Not the other way around. The only way to prevent Putin from igniting a bigger war in Europe is to inflict painful losses on Russian occupation forces on Ukrainian territory. Only by defeating Putin on our territory can we make him abandon aggressive plans regarding Moldova, Poland, the Baltic countries, Finland, and other European countries," noted the head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry.
The protection of Ukraine's energy system from Russian attack and the strengthening of the country's resilience, the defense of cities and communities, and the reinforcement of Ukrainian soldiers were also discussed as separate topics.
