Newsletters
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday that Kyiv is not seeking ways to stop Russian President Vladimir Putin or end the war without the United States, stressing that Ukraine’s strategy depends on unity with its allies.
“Our plan is to take decisive steps together. Putin wants to divide and weaken us,” Zelenskyy said at a news conference in London with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, and Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, following a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing.
Zelenskyy accused Russia of waging a “terrorist campaign” against Ukraine’s energy system to force civilians to endure a “cold winter” and pressure Kyiv into concessions.
“Their goals have not changed: they want to destroy us,” he said, calling for stronger air defenses and better protection along the front lines.
The Ukrainian leader hailed the newly imposed sanctions on Russian oil as a “big step,” expressing gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump and other allies for supporting the move.
He said the sanctions were already having a visible impact on Russia’s economy, citing “queues at gas stations, regional bankruptcies, and a growing federal budget deficit.”
“Peace is born from pressure exerted on the aggressor. We must continue to do this,” Zelenskyy said, urging further action against Russian oil companies and the so-called “shadow fleet” used to transport sanctioned energy.
Zelenskyy also welcomed the European Council’s decision to prepare the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, describing it as “extremely important” and a “positive signal.” He said he expects the decision to be finalized by year’s end.
Responding to questions about Washington’s reluctance to approve deliveries of long-range Tomahawk missiles, Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine’s war strategy hinges on cooperation with the U.S.
“Without the U.S., we are not looking for a way to stop Putin and end this war. We plan to take decisive steps together,” he said.
He added that Ukraine must accelerate domestic production of air defense systems to sustain its defenses.
Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine and Sweden have signed the first document to create a fleet of Gripen fighter jets—a move he described as “historic” for Ukraine’s long-term air power and security.
“The agreement covers up to 150 Swedish-made Gripen combat aircraft,” Zelenskyy said. “This is a historic step. Thank you to everyone who helps us.”
“We are working for the Gripen fleet, cool combat aircraft. We signed the first document, and we are counting on 150 aircraft,” he added.
Zelenskyy highlighted growing European political support to channel frozen Russian assets into Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction.
“There is a political willingness of Europe to direct frozen Russian assets to fully support Ukraine and Ukrainians,” he said, noting that the European Council has already adopted a political decision on the issue.
He said the plan should be implemented by the end of the year to ensure continued funding for Ukraine in 2026.
The president also welcomed fresh sanctions targeting Russia’s two largest oil firms, Rosneft and Lukoil, and thanked Italy and Norway for new energy aid packages, as well as Japan’s new prime minister for joining the Coalition of the Willing meeting.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine is working with partners to secure additional Patriot air defense systems and missiles.
“Europe understands that next year, funding for Ukraine—for our people—will be provided,” he said.
1 min read
2 min read
