Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha participated in a meeting of the Council of the European Union Foreign Ministers in Luxembourg.
The head of Ukraine’s diplomatic service noted that Russia failed to achieve results during its “summer offensive” and is now targeting the energy sector, attempting to use winter as a weapon against Ukraine.
“We have endured three winters of war and need your support to get through a fourth. We are grateful for the EU’s energy assistance. Our urgent needs include additional energy supplies and equipment,” said the minister. Sybiha emphasized the urgency of European partners’ support in strengthening Ukraine’s air defense capabilities and the physical protection of energy facilities.
The Foreign Minister positively noted the financial instruments for gas purchases developed by the European Commission and stressed the importance of continued support, including resources for acquiring additional gas volumes. He also confirmed Ukraine’s readiness to develop alternative energy supply routes from northern and southern Europe, including U.S. liquefied natural gas, taking advantage of Ukraine’s unique gas storage facilities.
Sybiha informed European partners about the results of the meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington and stressed the need for collective pressure on Russia to force it toward peace.
“Ending Russia’s war against Ukraine is possible. But this requires pressure, pressure, and more pressure. That is the only thing Putin understands,” said the Foreign Minister.
He confirmed that Ukraine is ready for a bilateral meeting between the leaders of Ukraine and Russia, or a trilateral format involving the U.S. President, to achieve peace and believes such a meeting must be productive. The minister emphasized that a ceasefire remains a key element for a real peace process.
Sybiha also addressed prospects for expanding defense cooperation between Ukraine and EU member states. He noted that Ukrainian weapons are already among the best in the world and stated Ukraine’s readiness to share its technologies with partners.
“Today our weapons protect us. Tomorrow they will also protect you. By investing in them today, you invest in your security and a peaceful future. We are ready to start production in your countries. We are also opening controlled exports of certain types of weapons,” he said.
Andrii Sybiha stated that the EU’s 19th sanctions package against Russia has every chance of becoming one of the most effective and expressed confidence that its adoption will send an important signal of the EU’s strength and unity. He emphasized the importance of strengthening restrictions against Russian diplomats, calling it “the right response to Russia’s hybrid escalation in Europe and against it.”
The minister welcomed progress in using Russian frozen assets, including preparations for the so-called “Reparations Credit.” He stressed that these funds are urgently needed by Ukraine for defense purposes.
“We also call on member states to include Ukraine in their national investment plans under the SAFE program. It is very important for us to know and secure the share allocated specifically to Ukraine,” said Sybiha.
The Foreign Minister confirmed Ukraine’s readiness to develop, together with European partners, air defense capabilities and counter-drone measures:
“The reality in modern Europe shows that Ukraine is no longer a ‘buffer zone.’ We are an integral part of Europe’s security infrastructure — on land, in the air, and at sea. Let’s act accordingly.”
Sybiha also once again called for the fastest possible unblocking of Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations and the start of work on the first cluster.
“For us, EU membership is an element of security guarantees and an important strategic choice. This process cannot be held hostage by a single country. Integration into the EU can be unblocked by any procedure that allows us to move forward,” the Foreign Minister note.
