During his online participation in a meeting of the European Union Foreign Affairs Council, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called on European allies to accelerate the process of strengthening the defence capabilities of Ukraine and the EU.

The Minister welcomed many important initiatives aimed at strengthening European defence capabilities and stressed that Ukraine would play a key role in these efforts.

“I welcome the EU’s leadership. We already feel the new strength of Europe. Now we need the same new speed of European decision-making,” the Foreign Minister said.

Andrii Sybiha noted the importance of the historic ReArm Europe plan of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the new initiative of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas to strengthen military support for Ukraine, and the creation of the Coalition of the Willing led by France and the United Kingdom. He also expressed hope for an active role of the new German leadership.

“Now is the time to arm ourselves. To strengthen the defence capabilities of Ukraine and the rest of Europe. As soon as possible and as efficiently as possible. Ukraine and Europe, armed to the teeth, will be able to keep russia from a new big war,” the Minister stressed.

Andrii Sybiha called on European partners to make every effort to increase military assistance to Ukraine as soon as possible, fill critical gaps, invest in the Ukrainian defence sector, and expand funding for their defence. According to him, in the long run, all this will benefit the whole of Europe.

The Head of Ukraine’s diplomatic agency said that it is essential to accelerate all EU political processes, particularly the critical importance of removing obstacles to the opening of Cluster 1, Fundamentals, in the process of Ukraine’s accession to the EU.

“Ukraine’s accession to the EU and the path to peace are directly linked,” the Minister said.

Andrii Sybiha thanked the EU for its consistent sanctions policy and noted that Ukraine appreciates the recent decision to extend individual sanctions.

The Minister stressed the need to use sanctions pressure as a lever of influence on moscow and to increase station pressure. Sanctions policy should be a key element of European security.

The Minister also suggested applying smaller and more frequent packages targeting specific sectors, such as the military, banking, nuclear energy, and others.

In this context, the Foreign Minister stressed the need to strengthen control over energy sanctions and stated that there are all legal grounds to use frozen russian assets to support Ukraine right now.

Andrii Sybiha expressed his deep gratitude to the EU for its comprehensive support of Ukraine and stated the need to realise Europe’s new strength and protect peace.