During the Ukraine – Southeast Europe summit, President Volodymyr Zelensky called on European partners to maintain their defense support for Ukraine, uphold unity against hybrid threats, enhance cyber defense, and foster infrastructure cooperation.
"You all see: Putin does not want to end this war. He believes that as long as he can fight and dominate his neighbors, he remains politically alive. However, regardless of his beliefs, our task is to force Russia into a position where it must seek peace and political survival through non-military means. This is entirely possible," the President stated.
Volodymyr Zelensky pointed out that defense support is essential for protecting against Russian attacks and for making Russia feel the cost of the war on its own territory. Another critical tool, according to the Head of State, is sanctions, particularly against Russian oil tankers and the financial sector.
"Regarding the oil price cap: $45 is better than $60. This is clear. It's true. But real peace will come with a cap of $30 – that is the level that will truly change the mindset in Moscow," the President is convinced.
Separately, Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that all summit participants share an interest in EU enlargement and NATO's strength.
"This year, Ukraine needs a clear decision on negotiation clusters. We have met all the conditions. Blocking progress now only wastes time for all of Europe. All our countries matter and deserve fair expansion. The same applies to NATO," he stressed.
Additionally, the Head of State called for developing cooperation in infrastructure, including transportation routes, energy, communications, and digital systems.
Summit participants also discussed resilience against hybrid threats, strengthening trade and transport networks, energy security, demining, post-war reconstruction, rehabilitation, wellness, and support for servicemen, children, and veterans.
The summit was attended by: President of Moldova Maia Sandu, President of Romania Nicolae Ciucă, President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović, President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić, Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plenković, Prime Minister of Bulgaria Rosen Zhelyazkov, Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Eliza Spiropali, First Deputy Prime Minister of North Macedonia Izet Medžiti and Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia Tanja Fajon.
The Ukraine – Southeast Europe summit has now taken place for the fourth time, but for the first time in Ukraine. Previous events were hosted by Greece, Albania, and Croatia. This format was initiated in 2023 to support Ukraine and jointly counter the consequences of Russian aggression.
