Ukraine's foreign minister: Europe must act decisively now to bring peace closer in Ukraine

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has said that "Europe must act decisively" amid changing dynamics in the war and outlined "concrete and realistic steps" that partners should begin with.

Source: Ukrainian Foreign Ministry; Sybiha on X (Twitter)

Details: Sybiha took part in an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in the Gymnich format held in Limassol, Republic of Cyprus, on 27 May.

The key topics of his attendance at the meeting included strengthening Europe's role in peace efforts, Ukraine's progress towards EU membership and the opening of negotiating clusters, increasing sanctions pressure on Russia and ensuring Ukraine's defence needs are met.

Quote: "Ukraine has cards. Europe has cards. We have a strong hand. It is time to play it. Tonight in Limassol, I addressed my EU counterparts at the informal Gymnich dinner. As the dynamics of the war are shifting and Ukraine's asymmetric strategy is bringing results, this is the moment for Europe to step in with real strength and bring peace closer – as a complementary effort to the main US-led track."

Details: Sybiha stressed that partners should begin with concrete and realistic steps, including a ceasefire covering airports and seaports, the return of civilian hostages, the demilitarisation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and the creation of a humanitarian corridor from occupied Oleshky in Kherson Oblast, where people have been left without food, water and medicine for weeks.

Quote: "We do not need to start by choosing a person or a group to lead the effort. We need to clarify the mandate – and it must represent one united European voice. Europe has the leverage to achieve tangible results – sanctions and frozen Russian assets, for starters."

Details: Sybiha also called on his counterparts to make a decision now on opening all six negotiating clusters for Ukraine in June.

Quote: "Our people need and deserve this recognition. Ukraine needs the EU – and the EU needs Ukraine."

Details: Sybiha also stressed that the new and promising dynamic in bilateral relations with Hungary opens a window of opportunity and that European allies cannot afford to miss it.

Quote: "I thanked my counterparts for standing firm in the face of Russia's threats against foreign diplomats in Kyiv. This intimidation might have worked years ago. Not anymore. Europe has changed. Europe has leverage. Europe must act."

Background: Sybiha earlier said that Russian threats of further strikes on Kyiv are intended to intimidate Western diplomats, but Ukraine does not expect such blackmail to succeed.

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