Photo: Council of Europe
In a speech at the session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in Strasbourg, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for an immediate increase in sanctions pressure on the Russian Federation. He stressed that the Russian economy directly finances the war and the production of weapons that kill Ukrainians every day.
“We really need to reduce Russia’s economy because it is paying for the war with it. They are increasing their production every day. That is why it is very important to put pressure now, to do everything we can,” Zelenskyy said in response to questions from parliamentarians.
The President drew special attention to the supply of critical components for Russian missile and military production:
“It is very important to impose the strongest possible sanctions on the banking sector, energy and, of course, on components for their defence sector. They go to Europe, China, even Taiwan and other countries. Then Russia uses them in a large number of missiles to attack us.”
He also called for greater control over private businesses that may unknowingly sell parts through intermediaries. In this context, Zelenskyy stressed the importance of secondary sanctions that would cut off all supply chains.
“We have to reduce Russia’s appetite. In no case should we not help Russia fuel this war. We need Europe. I think we need unity between Europe and the United States, and we will win,” the Head of State concluded.
