Sanctions against Russia need to be increased even more – Zelensky

Sanctions against Russia need to be further strengthened over its continued armed aggression and the killing of peaceful Ukrainian citizens.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said this at a joint briefing with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

"I want to thank you for a strong sanctions policy, I thank the whole world, I thank the European Union, Ursula von der Leyen. I am personally grateful for the fifth sanctions package, but I think that's not enough. They (Russians - ed.) took away much from us. They took away our territory and people," Zelensky said.

He added that Ukraine would be able to return the territories, but would not be able to return the lives of people, and Russia would be brought to justice for all this.

"Please help with your sanctions, they should only increase, as Russia does not want to hear anything or anyone," Zelensky stressed

He also thanked the EU for its long-term support and financial assistance, which is very important now when Ukrainian companies can not work properly because of the Russian invaders and missile strikes. Separately, Zelensly thanked for the support with weapons.

As Ukrinform reported, Zelensky met with Ursula von der Leyen and Josep Borrell in Kyiv. The EU officials arrived in Ukraine on April 8.

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