President Zelenskyy: Ukraine ready to take necessary steps toward peace

“We are ready to take the necessary steps for peace. Naturally, the starting point should be a ceasefire and humanitarian actions,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an address at the Summit with the Bucharest Nine and Nordic countries in Vilnius on June 2.

This is a special moment – on the one hand, Russia has launched its summer offensive, but on the other hand, they are being forced to engage in diplomacy. And this is both a challenge and a real opportunity for us all – a chance to try to end this war.

First, as before, our top priority is supporting our defense. And I’m grateful for all the support packages and for every investment in weapons production in Ukraine, and for the development of production in your countries as well. Europe, together with America, has better weapons than Russia. We also have stronger tactical solutions – our operation “Spiderweb” yesterday proved that. Russia must feel what its losses mean. That is what will push it toward diplomacy. And when Russia takes losses in this war, it’s obvious to everyone that Ukraine is the one holding the line – not just for itself, but for all of Europe. Ask your intelligence – what is Russia planning this summer in Belarus? If they’re bold enough to prepare attacks from there, then we need more strength – together. And right now, that means strengthening Ukraine – so we can stop this war and prevent it from spreading. That’s why weapons production matters. Ukraine can cover up to 40% of its weapons needs with domestic production – but this requires stable funding. Our operations show how much impact investments, especially in drones, can have.

And we still urgently need air defense, especially Patriot systems and missiles for them. Each of you knows what we need and what you can do to help. Decisions are needed.

Full text of the address: Office of the President of Ukraine