We all understand how wars like this one – Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine – come to an end. When pressure is strong enough to exhaust the source of the war, peace comes. That pressure exists now, and the EU plays a key role in maintaining it. And I thank you for your willingness to help. Sanctions on Russia, support for Ukraine, strengthening our defense together – all of this works for peace. We have discussed – at the EU level, within the Coalition of the Willing, and in our bilateral work with Cyprus – that sanctions need to be upgraded. A new package is being prepared. And many steps are being taken to target Russia’s shadow fleet, and this will work. Every dollar Russia loses is a dollar that does not fuel the aggressor. It is extremely important that we continue receiving support – both for our defense and for our diplomacy – equally from all parts of Europe. That’s why your support matters to us – your recent visit to Ukraine, Mr. President, and the unity we’re showing now, at the start of the Cyprus Presidency. I said this during my speech at the opening ceremony of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union. I wish you a successful presidency. I truly hope that during these months, Europe will become stronger – and that people across our continent will feel that tomorrow can be safer, more stable, and better than today.(Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський)