The process of approval and implementation of the sixth EU sanctions package against russia will continue for some time. But the critical elements of the package and, most importantly - its direction are already clear.
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, announced this in his video address.
"Finally, we have details about the European Union's sixth sanctions package against russia during this war. The package has been approved," - said Zelenskyy. He clarified that European countries have agreed to restrict oil imports from russia significantly. The practical effect will result in losing dozens of billions of euros, which russia will now be unable to use to finance terror.
In addition, European countries' refusal of russian oil and other fossil fuels will accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources. Strategically, this leaves the russian on the roadside of the modern economy. Russia simply will not be able to adapt and, therefore, will lose economically.
"Within the sixth sanctions package, we also expect the disconnection of one of the largest russian banks "Sberbank," from SWIFT. Then, finally, the cessation of broadcasting of russian disinformation channels in Europe. And new personal sanctions," - said the President of Ukraine.
He added that preparations for the seventh package would begin immediately after the sixth package started working.
The President of Ukraine said he had discussed the further sanctions policy of the European Union with the President of Slovakia, Zuzana Caputova. From the first days of the full-scale war, Slovakia has become one of Ukraine's most important defense partners. Ukraine's European movement was also discussed. Zuzana Caputova personally helps to accelerate the integration of our state. A decision is also being prepared for more effective management of processes at the borders of our states, in particular, on joint customs control.
At the beginning of her visit to Ukraine, the President of Slovakia visited Irpin and Borodianka and saw the destruction committed by the russian army.
"I believe that Slovakia will provide all the necessary assistance to bring to justice all russian war criminals and rebuild after the war everything they destroyed," - said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The President also addressed those who are trying to "hurry the UAF (Armed Forces of Ukraine) or indicate how to attack and where to fight the enemies first."
"Ukraine values every opinion. But Ukraine values every life more. And this is a fact. Therefore, Ukraine will never do like russia is doing, throwing people into the hell of fighting just because Moscow wanted to seize something in a few days or before a specific date," - emphasized Zelenskyy.
He noted that the Ukrainian military, intelligence, the National Guard, and all those involved in the state's defense gradually but inevitably thwart all the plans of the occupiers.
The situation in the Donbas area remains complicated; Sievierodonetsk, Lysychansk, and Kurakhove are now at the epicenter of the confrontation.
"Because Sievierodonetsk is a center of large-scale chemical production, the fact that russian army launches strikes there, including blind bombing, is madness. But on the 97th day of such a war, it is no longer surprising that for the russian military, for russian commanders, for russian soldiers, any madness is acceptable," - added the President.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also said that we have some success in the Kherson area and progress in the Kharkiv region. In addition, the UAF hold their positions in the Zaporizhzhia region; the critical area is Huliaipole and Orikhiv.
"Every man and woman at all levels must now be lobbyists for the supply of modern heavy weapons and modern artillery to our state. All those systems that can bring Ukraine's victory closer," - said Zelenskyy, urging people to talk about it anywhere it can be useful and heard. Talk to politicians of partner countries, representatives of foreign media, and even friends abroad. We must always maintain this narrative of the need to provide Ukraine with enough weapons to win.
Today, Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a new decree awarding 215 militaries with state awards, 17 posthumously.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine wants to save a maximum of lives during the liberation of the territories occupied by russians; therefore, it will wait for the corresponding weapon.