On Thursday, January 29, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha participated online in a meeting of the European Union Foreign Affairs Council. He briefed his European colleagues on the situation at the frontline and in Ukraine overall, detailing the most urgent and strategic needs as well as the progress of peace efforts.

“We have entered a new year that could be a turning point for the future of Europe. Amidst geopolitical turbulence, it is vital to keep Ukraine at the center of attention,” the Minister emphasized.

Andrii Sybiha expressed his gratitude to European partners for their unity, consistency, and leadership in providing daily support to Ukraine. According to the Foreign Minister, this support proves three things: Europe stands in defense of its values, Europe is resolute, and Europe possesses strength.

The Minister highlighted that despite loud proclamations, Russia has failed to achieve any breakthrough on the battlefield, while the occupier's losses continue to mount. Ukraine’s objective is to reach a level of 50,000 Russian casualties per month. According to the head of the foreign ministry, once the Russians lose more than they are able to recruit, it will force Putin and his regime to reconsider their plans.

Andrii Sybiha reiterated that Ukraine seeks to achieve parity in weaponry and capabilities on the frontline. He stressed that supporting Ukraine is an investment in the collective security of the European continent. “We are winning time for you—that is the bitter truth. It is better to stop Russia in Ukraine right now,” the Minister noted.

He observed that Europe must achieve full strategic autonomy regarding weaponry and security. This is a matter of European survival, in which Ukraine serves as a key element.

Andrii Sybiha noted the importance of the PURL program for strengthening Ukrainian air defense and protecting critical infrastructure, particularly for missile defense against ballistic threats and the supply of interceptor missiles. To achieve this, it is essential to ensure funding for this program at a level of approximately $15 billion per year.

“PURL is the only tool that allows us to purchase critically important weapons from the Americans. It is also vital that the European SAFE initiative begins to yield results as early as possible this year,” the Minister stressed.

In the context of peace efforts and recent negotiations in Abu Dhabi, Andrii Sybiha noted that Ukraine views them as a continuation of engagement with the U.S. and peace efforts that gained new momentum last autumn. The Foreign Minister reported that Ukraine, together with the U.S., is currently preparing for the next round in a trilateral format in the near future.

“As I have already stated, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy is ready to meet Putin to discuss the most sensitive issues. Specifically, regarding territories and the ZNPP. The Kremlin's public reaction to this point has once again shown that Putin does not want to stop the aggression,” Andrii Sybiha emphasized. He noted that in today's geopolitical reality, only the U.S. and Donald Trump are capable of forcing Moscow to end the war.

The Foreign Minister called on partners not to remove the issue of frozen Russian assets from the agenda. This is a powerful lever for peace that must not be abandoned.

Andrii Sybiha highlighted key opportunities for Europe to exert pressure on the RF: blocking the “shadow fleet” and adopting a strong 20th sanctions package, including restrictions against the Russian defense industry and the oil and gas sector. The Minister also called for sanctions against Lukoil and Rosneft, following the American example.

The Foreign Minister welcomed the European Union's final decision to phase out Russian gas by 2027 and thanked the EU for its recent decision to allocate the first ten million euros for the Special Tribunal. “Russia must pay. Sooner or later. It must feel this pressure now. The very risk of losing assets forced Putin to change his behavior last year,” he remarked.

Separately, Andrii Sybiha noted the urgent energy assistance from the EU and contributions to Ukraine's resilience within the framework of the so-called “Energy Ramstein”. The Minister also expressed sincere gratitude to European societies for their heartfelt solidarity.

“I am confident that our bitter experience at the level of every family and our state as a whole will also contribute to the stability of Europe. Of course, it would be better if no one had to go through such an experience. But we must be ready. This is the war of the future,” the Minister noted.

Regarding the path toward European integration, the Foreign Minister stated that this year must be decisive. Ukraine's membership in the EU will bring peace closer, strengthen the EU, provide Ukraine with another security guarantee, and create conditions for economic growth in Europe. This is a key element of Europe's new security architecture.

“The fate and peace of Europe are being decided today in Ukraine. And at a very high price,” the Minister added in conclusion.