Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyasked the European leaders on Thursday to impose "pragmatism" and go "from words to deeds" by handing them weapons to fight against Russia.
“It may sound impertinent, but it is not cynical, it is pragmatic. Of course, emotions were dead on the ground on February 24 of last year. Now pragmatism prevails. We need weapons," Zelensky told a news conference after meeting European Union leaders in Brussels.
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"Today I have heard talk about the availability of sending us weapons, support, including planes as well," affirmed the Ukrainian president, although he avoided confirming whether the heads of state and government of the EU have promised to deliver this type of military equipment to him.
“There are positive signs and with that I stay and I hope that these positive signs translate into concrete steps "Zelensky said.
After having obtained the status of a candidate country to join the EU in 2022, the Ukrainian leader insisted on his desire to start accession negotiations "this year", with the intention of "motivating" the Army of his country.
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“We want, of course, this year, to motivate ourselves and our army (…) We need it this year, 2023, and when I say this year I mean this year”, Zelensky said.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, He reiterated that "there is no rigid timetable" and that it is a "merit-based process."
“So it depends on the candidate country, how far they go and how quickly they achieve the goals they set for themselves.”
Nevertheless, "We will be by your side at every step until Ukraine fulfills its European dream."Von der Leyen said.
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The European Commission is already preparing the tenth package of sanctions against Russia and the president of the Community Executive assured that it will affect "a series of political and military leaders" and those in charge of the propaganda machine of Russian president, Vladimir Putin.
“His lies are poisoning the public space in Russia and abroad."he explained, adding that the new set of sanctions will also include additional export bans worth "more than 10,000 million euros."
