Ukraine finds itself under mounting pressure amid a series of developments involving US President Donald Trump. First came reports of a diesel deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, followed by Trump's public suggestion that it was "time for Ukraine to get a new president". Moscow has also proposed a so-called truce to protect energy infrastructure, an offer it has not upheld. Against this backdrop, questions are being raised about the role of US leadership in the ongoing war in Ukraine.
These concerns were front and centre during bilateral meetings in Luxembourg on Monday, as Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha met with Chamber President Claude Wiseler and Gusty Gras, head of the Chamber’s Foreign Affairs Committee.
Sybiha delivered a carefully worded response to Western frustrations, stating: "President Zelensky has confirmed that we are ready for a ceasefire in the energy sector. Yes, we are ready. President Zelensky also confirms that we are prepared to organise elections.
But we need the right security conditions to hold these elections, at least two months. We are in a state of war. Eight million of our citizens are abroad. Because of the war, we have one million soldiers. As you can see, we need the right conditions for all of this, according to international standards."
In the face of growing impatience among some European politicians, Sybiha’s comments underscored Ukraine’s diplomatic approach and the challenges of meeting international expectations during wartime.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna echoed Kyiv’s scepticism about a sectoral ceasefire, saying this energy ceasefire does not work, a point President Zelensky has confirmed, as, in reality, Russia is stepping up its attacks on Ukraine.
He stresses that Europe need to focus on what it can do. Therefore, the Foreign Minister underlined that today the EU is adding 1,600 assets, companies, and individuals to the most comprehensive sanctions list ever adopted by the European Union, as it is extremely important to keep up the pressure on Russia.
Throughout his visit in Luxembourg, Sybiha reiterated the need for tougher sanctions, further asset freezes, and continued political isolation of Russia.
On Monday morning, the EU’s foreign ministers in Luxembourg announced the addition of 1,600 new individuals and organisations to the sanctions list, an unprecedented expansion since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The bloc remains resolute in its strategy, even as recent US actions have sparked criticism in Europe.
At the same time, Sybiha acknowledged that ending the war will not be possible without continued support from key partners beyond the EU.
He emphasised that they need the United States and that it is not realistic to end this war without America.
Ukraine faces difficult months ahead, as the country braces for another harsh winter. Beyond energy support, Sybiha stressed that Ukraine’s most urgent need is modern air defence to intercept Russian ballistic missiles. Russia can produce up to 140 ballistic missiles per month and has up to 600 in stock.
To get through the winter, Ukraine needs at least 300 air defence missiles. Sybiha explained that they are working with their partners to secure such quantities to protect Ukrainian airspace.
He added that Russia is trying to wear down Ukrainians psychologically, but insisted that the Ukrainian people remain resilient.
Sybiha concluded his visit by thanking the Luxembourg government, parliament, and the entire population for their unwavering support since the beginning of the war.
A full account of Deputy Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha's visit is available on the Foreign Ministry’s website.
