Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that all countries condemned strikes on civilian infrastructure, on Ukrainian citizens, and on the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. He stated that he presented photographs of the attacks and resulting fires, and noted that Ukrainian emergency services had responded in a heroic manner to extinguish the blazes.
According to Zelenskiy, all participants at the meeting condemned the strikes and said they did not understand what he described as the logic of an aggressive, leaderless Russia. He added that all sides agreed the war must be stopped and said there was a shared view that Russia showed no willingness to end the conflict, with President Vladimir Putin not intending to stop it. He stressed that Russia must be forced to end the war, primarily through sanctions, which he said was a position supported by all countries.
Zelenskiy noted that Canada and the United Kingdom had taken steps regarding Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, and said other countries would also implement similar measures. He added that France expressed understanding of the risks posed by Russian drone attacks and announced plans to help rebuild the Chernobyl sarcophagus, for which he expressed gratitude.
He also thanked Switzerland, saying that during a recent meeting with the Swiss President they discussed the restoration of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, and that Swiss specialists would work on the project together with Ukrainian experts.
Regarding the European Union, Zelenskiy said all partners understand that Ukraine continues to move forward despite the war. He stated that all G7 members support Ukraine’s EU membership, and that European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa, recognize that negotiation clusters have been opened and will continue to open without delay.
