President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin is preparing an additional mobilization in Russia and plans to expand the war against Ukraine.
Zelensky made the statement during a joint media appearance with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin.
“Today we discussed the threats and real challenges that exist right now, ahead of autumn, when Putin is preparing new strikes against Ukraine and, in our view, preparing additional mobilization in Russia and an expansion of the war,” Zelensky said.
The President stressed that one of the key priorities remains the adoption of a new European Union sanctions package against Russia.
“I am grateful to every European leader and every European country for this support. This is already the 21st sanctions package. Today, Micheál assured me that he would work on the 22nd sanctions package as well. We will also work with partners outside the European Union so that they introduce new EU sanctions into their own legal frameworks. Synchronization of sanctions is very important,” Zelensky said.
He also emphasized that Russian attacks have continued every day for more than four years since the start of the full-scale invasion, targeting Ukrainian cities and villages.
“There has not been a single day when the Russian army has not attacked our civilians. This says a lot about whom we are fighting and what we are defending,” Zelensky said.
The President thanked the Irish Prime Minister for supporting Ukraine and its people, noting Ireland’s continued solidarity during its presidency of the Council of the European Union.
