Zelenskyy negotiates the strengthening of Russian sanctions and the opening of negotiation clusters.


Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met in Krakow with President of the European Council Antonio Costa. Zelenskyy stressed the need to strengthen sanctions pressure as an essential tool for influencing the Putin regime. Therefore, Ukraine expects strong measures within the framework of the 16th package of sanctions that will further limit Russia’s ability to wage war.
The parties also discussed the development of the Ukrainian defense industry, particularly the production of drones and long-range weapons. Among other things, they discussed the possibilities of financing weapons production with frozen Russian assets. The officials paid special attention to the informal meeting of EU leaders on February 3, where Ukraine is counting on new initiatives to supply ammunition.
In addition, Ukraine seeks to open several clusters in the EU accession negotiations in the first half of the year. Zelenskyy hopes for Antonio Costa’s support in ensuring consensus among member states on Ukraine’s integration processes.