Remarks by President António Costa at the joint doorstep with Presidents Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ursula von der Leyen

Our message to President Zelenskyy is very simple. The support of the European Union to Ukraine remains as strong as ever.

This is no time to withdraw the support to Ukraine. This is no time to relieve Russia's sanctions. Now it's time to increase our support. To increase our pressure. And this is essential to bring Russia to accept a real ceasefire, to bring Russia to the table of negotiations and to stop this war. This is time for peace. This is not time to continue the war. 

Dear Volodymyr, you can count on us. Not only to support you in war, but most important for your future as a member of the European Union. This week we opened two more clusters in our negotiation process. We need to continue in this process.

I would like to commend you and I would like to commend your parliament, because in the middle of a horrific war, you continue to deliver, to negotiate, to approve and to make reforms. Thank you very much for your example as a European. You can count on us as always.