Zelenskyy Urges Swift EU Talks, Tougher Sanctions During Meeting with Metsola
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola in Kyiv on Wednesday to discuss Ukraine’s EU accession process, stronger sanctions against Russia, and European support for building shelters to protect civilians.
The Gaze reports this, referring to Zelenskyy’s post on social media.
It was Metsola’s fourth visit to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Zelenskyy praised her role as one of the first European leaders to travel to Kyiv in 2022, stressing that the European Parliament has remained a steadfast ally throughout the war.
EU Accession Talks
Zelenskyy underlined Ukraine’s progress in meeting EU requirements and voiced hope that member states would soon agree to open the first negotiation cluster.
“We are fulfilling our promises, and we count on Europe to do its part. We expect the unanimous backing of all member states for the swift opening of the first cluster,” he said, adding that the European Parliament had given Ukraine “principled support” on this path.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola underlined that joining the European Union is in itself a guarantee of security, adding that Ukraine and the EU are advancing together on this path.
She noted that the next step would be the formal launch of the so-called “Fundamentals” cluster in the accession talks. Expressing confidence in further progress, she assured that Ukraine has the full backing of the European Parliament.
Sanctions Pressure
The Ukrainian president also called for tougher measures in the upcoming 19th EU sanctions package, highlighting Russian energy exports, financial institutions, and sanction-busting schemes as key targets.
“Putin must feel that prolonging the war and spreading destabilization to countries like Poland and Romania will come at a cost. If Russia doesn’t feel pain, it continues to fight,” Zelenskyy warned.
Metsola said the European Union has already mobilized €169 billion in support of Ukraine, including €63 billion in military assistance.
She added that the bloc is moving forward with plans to use frozen Russian assets. At the same time, pressure on Moscow continues, with the EU expected to adopt its 19th package of sanctions in the near future.
Civilian Protection and Schools
Another central point of discussion was European support for building protective shelters. Zelenskyy said the government is prioritizing shelters for schools, kindergartens, universities, hospitals, and public spaces. He also appealed for European assistance with Ukraine’s nationwide free school meals program.
Economic Burden of War
Speaking alongside Metsola, Zelenskyy revealed that Ukraine’s annual war costs have reached $120 billion – half funded by Ukraine’s own budget, with the rest needing international support.
“Plan A is to end the war this year. Plan B is $120 billion. That is all. This is a big problem. I am not saying that in peacetime, during a ceasefire or within security guarantees we will need the same large money for ten years. But in any case you must understand the scale of this issue,” he said.
Russian Strikes on Infrastructure
Zelenskyy warned that Moscow is trying to disrupt Ukraine’s logistics by targeting energy and railway facilities. He noted that Kyiv had carried out effective retaliatory operations that generated “significant public resonance” inside Russia. “They want us to feel the same disruption,” he said, adding that Ukraine is preparing for winter resilience just as Moscow prepares for its own heating season.
As The Gaze reported earlier, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola announced that the institution will open a permanent representation in Kyiv, underscoring the EU’s long-term commitment to Ukraine.