Five key threats keep Ukraine and Europe away from war ending - Zelenskyy in his address to European Council

This was reported by the website of the President's Office.

Zelenskyy made the address from the train during a working trip to the country's regions. The President told the European Council about the horrors that Russian aggression has caused in Ukrainian cities and villages.

"God forbid anyone in the world should see their cities empty because of the threat of terrorist attacks, such as Kramatorsk or dozens of other cities of Donbas. With destroyed houses – destroyed by Russian artillery. Houses with plywood instead of glass in the windows where people are still trying to live. Ruined villages, destroyed by shelling as in our Kherson region and in every place where Russian occupiers can reach. Desolate – because full of mines – fields… God forbid anyone should see it happen in his or her own country," Zelensky said.

The President also named five key factors that distance Ukraine and Europe from ending the war and achieving peace:

• Delays in the supply of long-range missiles and modern aircraft for the Armed Forces;

• delay in adopting new tough sanctions against Russia;

• delay in the implementation of the Ukrainian peace formula;

• Delays in organizing a "peace summit";

• Delays in Ukraine's integration into the European Union.

"We could organize the Summit in one of the world's capitals – in one of the European capitals. Wouldn't this add to Europe's global strength? It surely will," Zelenskyy said.

In addition, the President expressed confidence in achieving victory by the end of the year if cooperation between Ukraine and Europe does not slow down.

"The faster we act together – the more lives we save," Zelenskyy emphasized.

Zelenskyy also said that Ukraine is ready to start negotiations on EU membership this year, noting that the state continues to develop institutions according to European standards despite Russian aggression.

"The results are obvious: we have withstood the war, our institutions are functioning – despite everything, financial system, banks, all public services, social sphere. It is critical that there is no protraction in bringing closer Ukraine and the European Union. This is important both for the protection of Ukraine and for the protection of the European system. This is in line with the objective need to constantly strengthen Europe, as only such constant strengthening guarantees true resilience," Zelenskyy said.

The President urged not to allow evil to "regroup and prepare itself for years of war".

"I have honestly pointed out five key threats – five reasons protracting this war and pushing peace further away. We have to do everything we can to avoid such protraction. And definitely – we can do it. Europe knows how to be decisive. I know that you can appreciate the value of time. Let each meeting, each discussion, each day of our work together bring the return of peace closer – bring closer the liberation of our land and all of Europe from Russian evil. If Europe hesitates, evil may have time to regroup and prepare itself for years of war. It is in your power not to allow this to happen. Together, we can liberate Ukraine from Russian aggression already this year," Zelenskyy summarized.

• Earlier it was reported that EU leaders approved the joint purchase and urgent supply of surface-to-surface munitions and artillery ammunition to Ukraine.