"We need to leave the Russian dictator displeased with agreements in Brussels" – Zelensky at EU summit
Photo: Office of the President
Volodymyr Zelensky believes it's crucial for Europe not to succumb to indecision and betray the people's trust today. If EU leaders hesitate, the outcomes of the EU summit will be a victory for Vladimir Putin.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky made this statement addressing EU leaders, Rubryka reports, citing Politico and The Guardian.
As reported earlier, the President of Ukraine spoke to EU leaders via video at the invitation of the President of the European Council, Charles Michel.
Volodymyr Zelensky stressed that since the beginning of 2023, Russia has not achieved significant gains either on the battlefield or on the international stage. He urged European leaders to avoid changing this trend due to their inability to make decisions at the summit in Brussels.
"It's crucial for Europe not to fall into indecision today. No one wants Europe to be considered unworthy or incapable of making decisions it prepared itself. Or as an inability to adopt decisions it prepared itself," said the head of state.
Zelensky pointed out that Ukraine has completed its homework for the EU, passing laws and implementing recommendations from the European Commission.
He called on EU leaders not to give Russia a chance to exploit Europe's decisiveness regarding Ukraine.
"People in Europe won't see any benefit if Moscow receives a negative pass from Brussels regarding Ukraine. Putin will undoubtedly use this against you personally and against all of Europe. Don't give him this first and only victory this year. Europe must win, agreements must be kept, and words must matter," said the president.
Zelensky also noted that during the Revolution of Dignity, Ukrainians rallied in the center of Kyiv under the flags of the European Union.
"Ten years ago, people in Ukraine rose under the flags of the European Union… I ask you today for one thing — don't betray the people and their faith in Europe. If no one believes in Europe, what will keep the European Union alive?" he added.
The president stressed that before the summit, he held several negotiations with EU leaders and "didn't hear any counterarguments against implementing the plan agreed upon by all of Europe."
Without mentioning any names, Zelensky seemed to refer to Viktor Orban, to whom he posed a similar question.
Volodymyr Zelensky believes that the summit's result should be a decision to agree on the calendar plan for Ukraine's path to the EU, previously approved by the European Commission.
"There was a clear schedule for the EU — today is the day for a political decision in response to what we have achieved. It's about opening accession negotiations with Ukraine. And in March of next year — approving negotiation frameworks to move forward," he urged leaders to confirm this schedule.
Also, the president, without naming Orban, cast doubt on his repeated claims that Ukraine allegedly did not fulfill its obligations.
"Last year, Ukraine received clear recommendations on how to move forward. We adopted key laws. You all — I emphasize: all — know that we fulfilled all obligations," he said.
As reported, Hungarian leader Viktor Orban says he "sees no reason" for negotiations with Ukraine.
EU leaders summit
Today, the summit of EU leaders started in Brussels. Several issues related to Ukraine will be discussed, including €50 billion in economic support for Kyiv, €20 billion for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and starting negotiations on the country's accession to the bloc.
But they must convince Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who threatens to veto these proposals.
Before the start of the EU summit, where they will discuss the official start of negotiations with Ukraine, the heads of France, Germany, and the European Council met with Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky did not attend the EU leaders' summit but, as known, addressed the EU in an online format.
