Yesterday at 20:05
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, where he discussed key issues including Ukraine’s EU membership aspirations, the deepening of sanctions against Russia, and the construction of protective shelters. During the meeting, Zelenskyy provided detailed updates on the country’s military, economic, and security situation amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Russian Military Setbacks
President Zelenskyy reported that Russian forces had planned offensives on four key fronts: Sumy, Novopavlivka, Pokrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia. He confirmed that the operation in Sumy had failed, resulting in significant Russian losses and forcing a shift of their resources to other areas. Zelenskyy emphasized that Russian forces are unlikely to mount large-scale operations in the remaining directions due to these setbacks.
Expansion of the PURL Fund and Military Aid
Zelenskyy highlighted that the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) fund, a collaborative initiative with NATO countries, is expected to grow to $3.5–3.6 billion by October. These resources will support the procurement of advanced weaponry, including Patriot and HIMARS missiles, forming part of the first U.S. military aid packages valued at $500 million each.
Economic Impact of the War
The President also underscored the immense financial burden of the ongoing conflict, estimating the annual cost of the war at around $120 billion. This figure covers military expenditures, infrastructure repairs, and humanitarian assistance, prompting Ukraine to continue seeking international support to mitigate these costs.
Russian Attacks on Civilian Infrastructure
Zelenskyy noted Russia’s deliberate targeting of Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure, describing it as an effort to disrupt logistics and create economic difficulties. He stressed that these attacks aim to weaken Ukraine’s resilience and complicate the delivery of essential supplies.
EU Membership and Sanctions
On EU integration, Zelenskyy reiterated the urgency of opening the first EU accession cluster and achieving unanimous support from member states. He also emphasized the need for a 19th sanctions package to target Russian energy resources, banking sectors, and entities circumventing existing sanctions.
During the meeting, Zelenskyy’s remarks painted a comprehensive picture of Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to strengthen defense capabilities, secure international support, and navigate the complex challenges posed by the war.
