Zelenskyy on this week's meetings: We return with new defense capabilities

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced significant progress in securing new defense capabilities and increasing pressure on Russia following a week of intensive diplomatic engagements.

Speaking after productive meetings at the G7 summit, the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, and the European Council, Zelenskyy highlighted a strong focus on bolstering Ukraine's defenses and accelerating the end of the conflict. "Every conversation focused on how to better protect our people, how to support our soldiers, and how to bring the end of the war closer," he stated.

Key outcomes included substantial financial commitments and new sanctions. Nine countries pledged nearly $1 billion towards the PURL program, a development Zelenskyy described as "exactly what is needed most right now." Additionally, the United Kingdom and Canada introduced new sanctions against Russia. Ukraine is actively engaging with the European Union to expedite the adoption of a 21st sanctions package designed to inflict maximum economic pain on Moscow.

The Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting yielded another significant boost, with partners announcing $4 billion in new aid. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the continued support, emphasizing that each aid package directly contributes to protecting Ukrainian lives from Russian attacks and moving closer to peace. "We are returning home with new defense capabilities," he affirmed.