Great honour to attend Pope Leo XIV's inauguration Mass as part of our delegation led by President Zelenskyy.
Grateful to His Holiness for mentioning the need for a fair and lasting peace, as well as the fact that the meeting with the Ukrainian President was the Pontiff's first after the Mass.
@Pontifex
and
@ZelenskyyUa
had a warm, meaningful, and forward-looking conversation. Today, we felt new opportunities and a new hope for advancing peace. We will make every effort to achieve it.
Grateful to His Holiness for mentioning the need for a fair and lasting peace, as well as the fact that the meeting with the Ukrainian President was the Pontiff's first after the Mass.
@Pontifex
and
@ZelenskyyUa
had a warm, meaningful, and forward-looking conversation. Today, we felt new opportunities and a new hope for advancing peace. We will make every effort to achieve it.
The Istanbul meeting highlighted another stark difference between Russia and Ukraine.
Ukraine is forward-looking, focused on the full and immediate ceasefire to kickstart the real peace process.
To the contrary, Russia is completely focused on the past, rejecting the ceasefire and instead talking constantly about the 2022 Istanbul meetings, attempting to make the same absurd demands as three years ago.
This is yet another reason why pressure on Russia must be increased. Moscow must now understand the consequences of impeding the peace process.
Ukraine is forward-looking, focused on the full and immediate ceasefire to kickstart the real peace process.
To the contrary, Russia is completely focused on the past, rejecting the ceasefire and instead talking constantly about the 2022 Istanbul meetings, attempting to make the same absurd demands as three years ago.
This is yet another reason why pressure on Russia must be increased. Moscow must now understand the consequences of impeding the peace process.
I attended the EU Foreign Affairs Council in person at
@KajaKallas
' invitation and updated colleagues on the current state of peace efforts and next steps.
At this critical juncture for European security, I urged full diplomatic mobilisation throughout Europe.
I thanked for today's approval of the 17th sanctions package and urged further action. Additional sanctions against Russia and strengthening for Ukraine.
I emphasized that Ukraine has demonstrated its full commitment to peace. We are ready to cease fire and advance genuine peace process. So far, only Russia has obstructed peace talks and rejected an unconditional ceasefire. This implies that the pressure on Moscow must be increased.
The Russian economy has systemic problems. Now is the time to deal it a severe blow. $30 oil price cap and other energy sanctions, complete sectoral sanctions on all banks and the central bank, and harsher secondary sanctions.
I also emphasized the importance of accelerating Ukraine's EU accession.
@KajaKallas
' invitation and updated colleagues on the current state of peace efforts and next steps.
At this critical juncture for European security, I urged full diplomatic mobilisation throughout Europe.
I thanked for today's approval of the 17th sanctions package and urged further action. Additional sanctions against Russia and strengthening for Ukraine.
I emphasized that Ukraine has demonstrated its full commitment to peace. We are ready to cease fire and advance genuine peace process. So far, only Russia has obstructed peace talks and rejected an unconditional ceasefire. This implies that the pressure on Moscow must be increased.
The Russian economy has systemic problems. Now is the time to deal it a severe blow. $30 oil price cap and other energy sanctions, complete sectoral sanctions on all banks and the central bank, and harsher secondary sanctions.
I also emphasized the importance of accelerating Ukraine's EU accession.
In Brussels, I had the pleasure of meeting with Algerian Foreign Minister
@AhmedAttaf_Dz
to discuss ways to maximise the potential of our bilateral relations and Algeria's role in advancing peace efforts.
We are eager to expand cooperation in trade, education, technology, and other areas. I reiterated our intention to appoint an ambassador to Algeria in the nearest future in order to strengthen our bilateral relations.
We discussed cooperation within international organisations, regional security, and ways to strengthen Ukraine’s ties with the African Union.
@AhmedAttaf_Dz
to discuss ways to maximise the potential of our bilateral relations and Algeria's role in advancing peace efforts.
We are eager to expand cooperation in trade, education, technology, and other areas. I reiterated our intention to appoint an ambassador to Algeria in the nearest future in order to strengthen our bilateral relations.
We discussed cooperation within international organisations, regional security, and ways to strengthen Ukraine’s ties with the African Union.
Good to catch up with European colleagues 🇦🇹
@BMeinl
🇨🇿
@JanLipavsky
🇪🇪
@Tsahkna
🇪🇺
@KubiliusA
🇪🇺
@MartaKosEU
🇵🇱
@sikorskiradek
🇱🇻
@Braze_Baiba
🇧🇪
@FranckenTheo
.
Coordinated efforts to advance peace and enhance transatlantic unity. Grateful for all the strong support for Ukraine.
@BMeinl
🇨🇿
@JanLipavsky
🇪🇪
@Tsahkna
🇪🇺
@KubiliusA
🇪🇺
@MartaKosEU
🇵🇱
@sikorskiradek
🇱🇻
@Braze_Baiba
🇧🇪
@FranckenTheo
.
Coordinated efforts to advance peace and enhance transatlantic unity. Grateful for all the strong support for Ukraine.
I welcome the
@EUCouncil
's decision to impose sanctions on Russia for using chemical weapons in Ukraine.
This demonstrates that Russia, in violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, continues to commit crimes in Ukraine and undermines our shared efforts to make the world free of chemical weapons.
We support the EU’s call for corresponding attribution by the
@OPCW
. Accountability for all Russian crimes is critical to achieving just peace.
https://consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/05/20/chemical-weapons-eu-sanctions-three-entities-in-the-russian-armed-forces-over-use-of-chemical-weapons-in-ukraine/
@EUCouncil
's decision to impose sanctions on Russia for using chemical weapons in Ukraine.
This demonstrates that Russia, in violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, continues to commit crimes in Ukraine and undermines our shared efforts to make the world free of chemical weapons.
We support the EU’s call for corresponding attribution by the
@OPCW
. Accountability for all Russian crimes is critical to achieving just peace.
https://consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/05/20/chemical-weapons-eu-sanctions-three-entities-in-the-russian-armed-forces-over-use-of-chemical-weapons-in-ukraine/
Consilium
Chemical weapons: EU sanctions three entities in the Russian Armed Forces over use of chemical weapons in Ukraine
The Council imposed restrictive measures on three entities belonging to the Russian Armed forces, responsible for the development and use of chemical weapons.
I was glad to catch up with
@KajaKallas
to thank her for inviting me to today’s EU foreign affairs council and reception in the margins of the Third EU-African Union ministerial.
We continue to work to increase pressure on Russia. Sanctions are an effective tool for defunding Russia's war budget and forcing it to make peace.
EU member states have already committed two-thirds of 2 million artillery shells, and we are working to cover the remaining third as soon as possible. I thank Kaja for her important initiative.
This critical period of time requires bold and big decisions both to deter Russia and advance Ukraine’s EU accession. We agreed on the need to move both processes forward.
@KajaKallas
to thank her for inviting me to today’s EU foreign affairs council and reception in the margins of the Third EU-African Union ministerial.
We continue to work to increase pressure on Russia. Sanctions are an effective tool for defunding Russia's war budget and forcing it to make peace.
EU member states have already committed two-thirds of 2 million artillery shells, and we are working to cover the remaining third as soon as possible. I thank Kaja for her important initiative.
This critical period of time requires bold and big decisions both to deter Russia and advance Ukraine’s EU accession. We agreed on the need to move both processes forward.
Good to meet with
@AussenMinDE
to discuss Germany’s crucial role in supporting Ukraine and strengthening Europe. We welcome the decisiveness of the new government led by Chancellor Merz. I stressed the importance of increasing pressure on Moscow to move the peace process forward.
@AussenMinDE
to discuss Germany’s crucial role in supporting Ukraine and strengthening Europe. We welcome the decisiveness of the new government led by Chancellor Merz. I stressed the importance of increasing pressure on Moscow to move the peace process forward.
With
@prevotmaxime
at the EU-African Union reception. Grateful to my Belgian colleague for the invitation. We value our partnership with Belgium and its firm support. We discussed defense assistance, such as the provision of F-16s and investment in Ukraine's defense industry.
@prevotmaxime
at the EU-African Union reception. Grateful to my Belgian colleague for the invitation. We value our partnership with Belgium and its firm support. We discussed defense assistance, such as the provision of F-16s and investment in Ukraine's defense industry.
Here's an example of how sanctions enforcement can be just as effective as the sanctions themselves.
In May, the EU passed some crucial sanctions amendments. They made it more difficult for Russian oligarchs and businessmen to avoid sanctions by obscuring ownership, transferring shares, and concealing assets.
From now on, individuals and entities who assist such activities face the threat of sanctions themselves. The EU no longer needs to prove that a specific Russian oligarch should be sanctioned, but rather that oligarchs must prove the opposite.
This is an excellent strategy that demonstrates the real power of sanctions enforcement. While new sanctions packages dominate media headlines, such regulatory amendments can be very effective, even if they are less popular in the media.
I urge all states to follow suit and make similar decisions to prevent the circumvention of sanctions and tighten their enforcement. Raising the cost of war for Russia and Putin's cronies is a surefire way to bring about peace.
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/9
In May, the EU passed some crucial sanctions amendments. They made it more difficult for Russian oligarchs and businessmen to avoid sanctions by obscuring ownership, transferring shares, and concealing assets.
From now on, individuals and entities who assist such activities face the threat of sanctions themselves. The EU no longer needs to prove that a specific Russian oligarch should be sanctioned, but rather that oligarchs must prove the opposite.
This is an excellent strategy that demonstrates the real power of sanctions enforcement. While new sanctions packages dominate media headlines, such regulatory amendments can be very effective, even if they are less popular in the media.
I urge all states to follow suit and make similar decisions to prevent the circumvention of sanctions and tighten their enforcement. Raising the cost of war for Russia and Putin's cronies is a surefire way to bring about peace.
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/9
I am grateful to
@ChuckGrassley
and
@SenAmyKlobuchar
for introducing a bipartisan Senate draft resolution condemning Russia's abduction, forced displacement, and facilitation of illegal deportations of Ukrainian children.
It is critical that the draft emphasizes the increased risks for children, such as human trafficking, exploitation, child labor, sexual violence, starvation, injury, displacement from education, and even death as a result of Russia's invasion, as well as the need for a peaceful and just end to the war.
It also demands that all Ukrainian children abducted by Russia be returned before a peace agreement can be reached. Thank you for standing with Ukraine and our children. Justice and accountability must prevail.
@ChuckGrassley
and
@SenAmyKlobuchar
for introducing a bipartisan Senate draft resolution condemning Russia's abduction, forced displacement, and facilitation of illegal deportations of Ukrainian children.
It is critical that the draft emphasizes the increased risks for children, such as human trafficking, exploitation, child labor, sexual violence, starvation, injury, displacement from education, and even death as a result of Russia's invasion, as well as the need for a peaceful and just end to the war.
It also demands that all Ukrainian children abducted by Russia be returned before a peace agreement can be reached. Thank you for standing with Ukraine and our children. Justice and accountability must prevail.
I was pleased to have my first call with
@AnitaAnandMP
, Canada's newly appointed Foreign Minister and a long-time friend of Ukraine.
Grateful for reaffirming Canada’s unwavering strong support and solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
We focused on diplomatic efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive peace for Ukraine. I reiterated that a full and durable ceasefire for at least 30 days remains essential for peace efforts to have a chance to succeed.
We discussed the need for additional pressure and sanctions against Russia, which continues to reject a ceasefire and stall the peace process.
I emphasized that possible measures could target Russian energy, including a lower oil price cap, as well as impose additional sanctions on Russia's banking sector, including the central bank.
We also coordinated additional steps and contacts to strengthen international support for Ukraine during Canada's G7 presidency. I invited my colleague to visit Ukraine at a convenient time.
@AnitaAnandMP
, Canada's newly appointed Foreign Minister and a long-time friend of Ukraine.
Grateful for reaffirming Canada’s unwavering strong support and solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
We focused on diplomatic efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive peace for Ukraine. I reiterated that a full and durable ceasefire for at least 30 days remains essential for peace efforts to have a chance to succeed.
We discussed the need for additional pressure and sanctions against Russia, which continues to reject a ceasefire and stall the peace process.
I emphasized that possible measures could target Russian energy, including a lower oil price cap, as well as impose additional sanctions on Russia's banking sector, including the central bank.
We also coordinated additional steps and contacts to strengthen international support for Ukraine during Canada's G7 presidency. I invited my colleague to visit Ukraine at a convenient time.