The international delegation, headed by Ana Lucía Bueno, ICRC Public Health Coordinator, and Sujit Panda, Head of the Physical Rehabilitation…
This figure was announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his address to participants of the European Council meeting.
This became known on March 19.
According to the President, the key to ending the war is weakening the Russian aggressor: increasing battlefield losses, causing economic damage, and maintaining strong support for Ukraine.
“The aggressor must weaken, and this is the key to ending the war. This means the aggressor must weaken on the battlefield, and Russia’s heavy losses at the front — around 30–35 thousand soldiers per month — ensure this.
Russia must also suffer economic losses, and that is precisely what sanctions are for. And there is also a moral aspect: it is important that support for us remains strong, stable, and long-term, for years, and that it is the aggressor who feels that its future is unpredictable — the aggressor, not us”, — Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
He stressed that Ukraine is doing everything possible to ensure diplomacy is effective and to bring the war to an end.
“In recent days, we have received signals from the American side that negotiations may soon resume. But with what attitude will the Russian side come to the negotiations this time? It depends on all of us to ensure that the Russians do not come to these talks feeling that their position has significantly strengthened”, — the President noted.
According to him, this concerns not only the situation around Iran, which is driving up global oil prices.
Due to the active use of air defense missiles in the Middle East and the Gulf region, the Russians may hope for a shortage of these weapons for supply to Ukraine. In addition, the EU’s 20th sanctions package against Russia has been blocked, and the United States has eased some restrictions, bringing significant funds into the war budget of Russia’s leadership.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that a €90 billion support package for 2026–2027 remains critically important for Ukraine.
He stressed that Russian strikes have damaged Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, so rapid action is needed to protect the energy system and restore what has been destroyed.
At least €5 billion within the €90 billion package is needed to ensure energy resilience for the next winter.
Ukraine also needs to pay contracts with European manufacturers for aircraft, air defense systems, and equipment.
Separately, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed the importance of unblocking the EU’s 20th sanctions package. It will help bring peace closer and show Russia that it is not gaining an advantage.
The Head of State also called for continuing to use every opportunity to find missiles for Patriot systems.
“That is why the PURL program is useful. I thank everyone who is joining it. We understand that not everyone supports the idea of using part of the €90 billion to purchase missiles for Patriot through PURL if there are no other options. But if there truly are no other options, this is necessary to protect against Russian ballistic strikes — it is a matter of saving lives”, — the President said.
