President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the new sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine would be put in place this week. In his video address, he emphasized that Ukraine feels the whole world's support today.
«Today was one of those days that make me say confidently: the whole world is with us. In the morning, I spoke with His Holiness Pope Francis about seeking peace for Ukraine, the atrocities committed by the occupiers, and the humanitarian corridors. I thanked His Holiness for his empathic and forceful anti-war stance and prayers. I invited him to visit Ukraine at this critical time. I believe that we can arrange this visit," said the President.
Zelenskyy also talked about his address to both chambers of the Parliament of Italy, where he "felt the utmost support." He appealed to toughen the sanctions and target all Russian personalities responsible for the war. "I am sure that the sanctions will be put in place this week," said the President.
Zelenskyy also mentioned that he had spoken with Slovakian President Zuzana Caputova and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
"We continue coordinating our positions ahead of this week's NATO and G7 summits. Justin Trudeau will lend us his support. Our security guarantees are a critical issue, not just for us but for neighboring countries. Our safety will cement peace in Eastern Europe," emphasized the President.
Zelenskyy thanked the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikos Dendias, the first European official who offered to support humanitarian efforts for Mariupol and lead an aid mission to the city.
Today, about 100 thousand people survive in inhuman conditions and total blockade in Mariupol. One of the humanitarian convoys, which proceeded through the agreed corridor near Mangush, was taken hostage by the Russian occupiers. Bus drivers and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine personnel are now hostages.
"We are doing all we can to free our people and unblock the movement of humanitarian aid. I am thankful when a high-level official of a European country agrees to join the humanitarian mission personally. We expect the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs to put his idea to action in the coming days," said Zelenskyy. He also added that today, seven thousand twenty-six people were saved from Mariupol despite all difficulties. Currently, the Presidential Office is trying to arrange humanitarian corridors in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Zaporizhya and Lugansk regions.
I am also thankful to all international envoys fighting for Ukraine, Europe, and the truth. They are forcing Russia to look at the actual state of affairs and what is happening in combat, and they are showing that the world is determined to defend the truth. Three important summits are happening this week, that of G7, NATO and the EU. They will bring new sanctions and new help. We will fight as long as we can. We will fight to the end. We will find bravely and honestly, with all our force on all platforms," stated Zelenskyy.
During this week's visit to Europe, American President Joe Biden asked the allies to impose harsher economic sanctions against Russia, as reported by the New York Times. It was also reported that the EU leaders would discuss the imposition of an oil embargo against Russia with Biden.
Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban said that, even though Hungary condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it would not support the sanctions that would include a ban on Russian energy imports. According to him, the Hungarian economy can't function without Russian gas and oil. After these remarks, Iryna Vereshuk, the Minister of Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories, appealed to Hungary to take the side of the rest of the civilized world and not repeat the mistakes of World War II.