'Agreed to take ambitious measures to reduce Russia's ability to wage war': joint statement from Weimar+ meeting participants

Following a Weimar + format meeting, the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the EU High Representative released a joint statement on Ukraine and Euro-Atlantic security.

The ministers reaffirmed solidarity with Ukraine and welcomed U.S.-led peace efforts and the prospect of further negotiations this week. The statement urged Russia to demonstrate a serious intention to make progress towards peace, calling for an immediate, complete, and unconditional 30-day ceasefire to create space for negotiations on a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace based on international law, including the UN Charter, and ensuring Ukraine's ability to deter and defend against future Russian attacks.

The meeting also addressed further intensifying European efforts to support Ukraine, including strengthening the Ukrainian Armed Forces, replenishing ammunition and equipment, and further building industrial capacity. The participants emphasized the desire to provide reliable security guarantees for Ukraine, including exploring the possibility of creating a coalition of air, land, and sea support forces to help build confidence in any future peace and support the restoration of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. They will also work on new commitments for reconstruction and recovery, including at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome on July 10-11, to ensure Ukraine's future security is reinforced by a dynamic economy.

The Weimar + participants agreed to take ambitious measures to reduce Russia's ability to wage war by limiting the Kremlin's revenues, disrupting the shadow fleet, strengthening oil price caps, and reducing remaining Russian energy imports. They also stated that Russian sovereign assets in their jurisdictions would remain immobilized until Russia ceases its aggression and pays for the damage caused.

The foreign ministers affirmed their intention to play a greater role in guaranteeing their own security, strengthening NATO and the contribution of European allies by increasing spending on security and defense to meet the requirements of deterrence and defense in all areas of the Euro-Atlantic region. They will use all possible levers to strengthen their collective defense potential and production, as well as strengthen the technological and industrial base of Europe, building on work in NATO, the EU, and like-minded groups to achieve these goals.

'Strategies for action this week, which will be decisive for peace, were agreed upon': Sybiha joined the meeting of foreign ministers in the Weimar + format

Sybiha shared the most up-to-date information about the real situation at the front, which he received directly from Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi before the meeting. 

"Russians are completely ignoring the offer of a full and durable ceasefire starting on May 12. They continue to attack Ukrainian positions all along the frontline," Sybiha said.

The minister noted that they discussed steps against Moscow that could be taken alongside new defense assistance packages for Ukraine, including sanctions against the Russian banking sector, central bank, and energy sector.

"Putin must understand the consequences of rejecting peace efforts and continuing the war," emphasized the Ukrainian Foreign Minister.

Sybiha also highlighted that Kyiv and its partners coordinated the next steps and contacts for this week and beyond.

"Moscow squanders another opportunity to put an end to the killings. This once again demonstrates that Russia's only goal is to prolong the war. To the contrary, Ukraine is making every effort to end the war and give diplomacy a chance. President  Zelenskyy even proposed meeting with Putin in person on Thursday, but there has been no response as of yet," the diplomat concluded. 

• During his night address on May 11, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin claimed to be ready for direct negotiations with Ukraine in Turkey next week. However, he ignored the idea of a 30-day ceasefire. In response, US President Donald Trump stated that he would continue working with both sides, and the upcoming week would be "big."
• Later, the head of the Ukrainian President's Office, Andriy Yermak, commented on the possibility of negotiations with Russia in Istanbul, emphasizing that Ukraine is open to dialogue but will not back down from the demand for a 30-day ceasefire.
• Meanwhile, the EU's high representative for foreign affairs, Josep Borrell, stated that Russia is playing games regarding negotiations on the ceasefire in Ukraine.