ISTANBUL 

 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday said he discussed suspected Russian drone incursions into Poland with Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, stressing Kyiv’s readiness to help train Polish forces and build a joint defense system. 

“We are grateful to Poland for its support from the very beginning of the war. We are close neighbors, and in times of such dangers it is vital to stand together,” Zelenskyy said on Telegram, adding that both sides also discussed pressure on Russia, joint defense production, Ukraine’s EU membership process, and the use of SAFE program funds to produce interceptor drones.

Earlier in the day, Zelenskyy also said he spoke with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen about defense assistance, cooperation in weapons production, and Denmark’s participation in the PURL initiative.

He underlined Denmark’s support for Ukraine’s EU membership path and stressed the importance of a joint response to Russia’s drone attack on Poland.

“The best response to aggression must be the joint strengthening of air defense and the creation of a reliable air shield over Europe,” he said.

He urged that the EU adopt its 19th package of sanctions against Russia as soon as possible, saying coordinated actions by partners are the only way to stop Moscow’s war efforts.   

Japan, UK, New Zealand impose new sanctions on Russia

Zelenskyy, in a separate statement on Telegram, also expressed gratitude to Japan, the UK, and New Zealand for imposing new sanctions on Russia.

He said Japan lowered the price cap on Russian oil to $47.60 per barrel, which he noted would reduce the Kremlin’s financial resources.

The Ukrainian leader also welcomed sanctions against companies linked to Russia’s military industry, including a producer of Iskander missiles, shadow fleet operators, and suppliers.

According to him, individuals involved in the deportation of Ukrainian children were also targeted. “Such steps are exactly what strengthen the joint pressure on the aggressor and bring us closer to the result we are all working for,” Zelenskyy said.

He also thanked the UK for announcing a new sanctions package in Kyiv, which includes 100 measures.

The package covers 70 tankers, 27 companies connected to Russia’s military supply chains, and three individuals.

“It is very important that our proposals were taken into account during the preparation of the sanctions,” he said, calling it a “strong blow to Russia’s shadow fleet.”

Zelenskyy added that New Zealand joined in reducing the oil price cap to $47.60 and sanctioned 19 entities, 19 vessels, and Russia’s GRU Unit 29155, which he said has been involved in cyberattacks.

He described this as New Zealand’s 32nd sanctions package against Russia and “a strong signal of support for Ukraine.”