Ukrainian Foreign Minister urges EU to develop realistic strategies to pressure Russia into peace
During an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers held on August 30 in Copenhagen, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasized the urgent need for Europe to formulate practical and effective strategies to compel Russia to cease its hostilities and return to the negotiating table.
He highlighted that recent Russian airstrikes on Ukrainian cities and attacks on foreign missions are clear signals that Moscow remains committed to ongoing military actions, and therefore, Europe’s response must be decisive and well-coordinated.Sybiha stressed that the current aggressive actions by Russia, including recent attacks, demonstrate that President Putin and his regime are not interested in peace negotiations but seek to impose ultimatums that threaten regional stability and transatlantic security.
He expressed gratitude to European countries for preparing the 19th sanctions package and emphasized the importance of synchronized and timely sanctions, as well as the need for US support to enhance the effectiveness of pressure measures.Furthermore, he called on EU member states to increase military aid to Ukraine, particularly in drone production, and to take necessary steps to utilize frozen assets of Russia to bolster Ukraine’s defense and rebuild its infrastructure.
Sybiha warned that the continuation of the war not only endangers Ukraine but also poses a threat to Putin’s regime personally.
He asserted that only decisive action and a policy based on strength will push the aggressor to negotiate peace on terms that protect Ukrainian sovereignty and European security.The Gimh-format meeting, attended also by representatives from the UK, Iceland, and Norway, provided a platform to discuss further measures and sanctions to intensify pressure on Russia, integral to the long-term strategy of regional protection from aggressive expansion.