Democracy and freedom will be protected as long as Europe and the world can support Ukraine, – President Zelensky

Only by joint pressure on Russia in all spheres can the world force it to stop the war in Ukraine and the policy of aggression. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during an online conversation at the opening of the 26th Annual Economist Government Roundtable.

“United Europe and the world, sanctions and diplomatic pressure – constant, daily – is an important “homework” to force Russia to seek peace,” the Head of State said.

He noted that the sanctions imposed on the Russian Federation will have a powerful impact on its economy when there are no exceptions to them.

“All the sanctions that were adopted only strengthen the position of the world against the aggressive position of Russia. But this is not enough, because some people are constantly looking for business solutions. If all the sanctions introduced by the European Union, separately – by Britain, the US, Canada, Australia, the whole world – are implemented without exception, 100%, I am sure that it will not be easy for the world, but it will be very difficult for Russia – it will stop this war,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The President separately emphasized that the world community should understand that the specified restrictions are being introduced against Russia not only because of its aggression in Ukraine, but also, in particular, because it violates and neglects the fundamental principles of international law.

“This is not only because of Ukraine, but also because of violations of international law, violations in the attitude towards democracy, freedom of speech, people’s rights, etc. Sanctions have been imposed on the Russian Federation due to the violation of these principles, and they must be continued,” said the Head of State.

He emphasized: if Russia is not stopped in Ukraine, it will continue to pursue its aggressive policy. The President stressed that all the crises the world is currently facing were artificially created by the Russian state.

In addition, according to him, the Russian Federation is investing heavily in the maximum mobilization of its disinformation policy against Ukraine.

“It is difficult to fight this. My voice, the voice of our society is not enough for this, we need the voice of a united Europe. Therefore, as long as Europe and the whole world can support us, democracy and freedom will be protected. As long as Europe understands that this is not a war in Ukraine, but a war in Europe, and we are the “fence” that protects Europe with our lives; as long as they feel it as painfully as we do, as long as Europe can feel it – that’s how long we will be able to hold on, and there will be a chance to defeat Russia,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy summed up.