Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky returned this Thursday to ask European leaders to provide long-range missiles and modern warplanes, in a videoconference intervention at the European Council calling for fresh sanctions against Moscow.
Intervening via videoconference from a train in Ukraine – and meanwhile interrupted – according to diplomatic sources, Zelensky warned European Union (EU) leaders, meeting at a summit in Brussels, of the risk of prolonging the war, if no long-range missiles and modern fighter jets are delivered.
In the speech, delivered as he returned from a trip to the battlefront in Kherson, he thanked the military aid already sent since the beginning of the Russian aggression, on February 24, 2022.
The Ukrainian leader also called for the adoption of new sanctions against Russia (Brussels is already in its 10th package of restrictive measures), progress in Ukraine’s accession negotiations to the EU and progress in the peace process.
Several member states fear supplying weapons to Kiev that could escalate the conflict, despite the fact that the EU recognizes Ukraine’s right to defend itself.
Meanwhile, Slovakia has already sent four MIG-29 fighters and Poland has promised to deliver the same number.
The EU Council on Monday approved funding of €2 million for the joint purchase of artillery ammunition from Ukraine.
European leaders will meet in Brussels today and Friday at a European Council that will once again focus on the war in Ukraine and the strengthening of EU support for Kiev, a meeting specially attended this Thursday by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres.
Source: DN
