Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for tougher sanctions against Russia, DPA reported, quoted by BTA and NOVA.
He made this appeal in his evening video address after Ukraine was subjected to the largest Russian air attack since the start of the war more than three years ago last night.
"Now sanctions should be one of the most important priorities - global sanctions against Russia," Zelensky said. He argued that punitive measures are necessary to limit the military capabilities of the aggressor country.
At its summit at the end of this week, the European Union failed to approve the 18th package of sanctions against Russia, as Slovakia vetoed it. Zelensky called for renewed efforts to adopt these punitive measures, which are intended to target Russia's energy and financial sectors.
The EU sanctions against Russia primarily target its economy, DPA notes. They are aimed at depriving the country of financial resources to continue its aggressive war against Ukraine. Russia, on the other hand, often emphasizes that it has adapted its economy to the punitive measures. It has also circumvented the restrictions with the help of other countries and significantly increased its arms production, DPA notes.