Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged European leaders to pressure the Kremlin to halt air and sea attacks on Ukraine as a step toward building trust and advancing negotiations to end the war, and to strengthen security across Europe.
“Everyone must ensure that Russia, as the sole source of this war, acknowledges that it must end the conflict,” Zelensky said during a special summit of European leaders in Brussels on March 6, according to a copy of his speech provided to Radio Free Europe.
“We can demonstrate this with two forms of silence that are easily monitored: first, no attack on energy and civilian infrastructure—a ceasefire for missiles, bombs, and long-range drones; and second, a ceasefire at sea, meaning no military operations in the Black Sea.”
Following crisis meetings in Paris and London, the March 6 summit focused on a plan that includes a significant increase in air defense, artillery, and “precision strike capabilities.” The plan calls for an increase in defense spending by 800 billion euros, while the United States has suspended aid to Ukraine and signaled that Europe must play a greater role in its own security.
“Europe faces a clear and present danger, so Europe must be able to defend itself,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as she arrived at the summit with Zelensky.
“This is a very important moment for Europe and Ukraine as part of our European family,” she said. “It is also a very important moment for Ukraine.”
The Thursday summit was called on February 27, in response to fast-developing diplomatic events. However, since then, developments have accelerated, following a clash in the Oval Office and Washington’s decision to suspend military aid to Ukraine.
