Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha joined online for an informal meeting of the foreign ministers of European Union countries in the “Gymnich” format, which took place in Copenhagen.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Threats from Russia and the Need for Decisive Action
During the event, Sybiha informed European partners about the increasing intensity of Russian attacks on Ukrainian territory, thanking them for their swift response to the shelling and ongoing support. He emphasized the recent strikes on the European Union’s representation in Kyiv and an American enterprise in Transcarpathia, calling them a clear signal to the West that Vladimir Putin has no intention of ending the war and must be compelled to do so.
“Russia remains an existential threat to all of Europe and the transatlantic space and does not abandon its aggressive intentions. It is important that no one has any illusions. Strategies regarding Russia and the peace process must be realistic; they cannot be based on false assumptions,” the minister stated.
Support for Ukraine and the Use of Frozen Russian Assets
Sybiha stressed that effective peaceful resolution is possible through organizing a meeting between the presidents of Ukraine and Russia with the participation of leaders from the United States and Europe. The minister urged EU countries to increase defense assistance to Ukraine and to invest in the development of the Ukrainian defense industry, particularly in drone production. He specifically highlighted the need to fully utilize the SAFE and PURL mechanisms to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities and to take decisive steps to allocate frozen Russian assets for defense and state recovery needs.
According to Sybiha, Putin must realize that continuing the war could have serious consequences not only for his regime but also for himself personally: either he stops the aggression now, or he faces a harsh response from the international community. The minister noted that this position aligns with the strategy of peace achieved through strength.
It is worth adding that the issues of Russian aggression and the use of frozen Russian assets remain on the agenda of meetings in the “Gymnich” format.