16 July 2026, 23:15

Andrius Kubilius: Deep Ukrainian Strikes Will Force the Kremlin to Negotiate

Андрюс Кубілюс обговорює військову підтримку України

Successful Ukrainian strikes on military and strategic targets within Russia could become the decisive factor forcing the Kremlin to agree to genuine peace talks. As reported by Euronews, European Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubilius stated that the recent successes of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have significantly shifted the security landscape.

Kubilius praised the outcomes of Ukraine’s long-range strikes, noting that they have radically changed the situation over the past six months. “What Ukraine has managed to achieve in the last half-year due to deep strikes is impressive,” Kubilius said. He believes these actions serve as a clear message to Vladimir Putin that his initial war objectives are unattainable. “This development should be a clear argument for Putin and his inner circle—that he is unable to achieve any significant progress in his military goals, and that is when real negotiations for a just peace should begin,” he emphasized.

Recent Ukrainian operations targeting the Russian fleet and energy infrastructure have drastically strengthened Kyiv’s leverage. Furthermore, the European Union is preparing a massive financial aid package. According to Kubilius, the total volume of credit support could reach 90 billion euros, with approximately 60 billion earmarked for defense requirements.

Despite these developments, the Kremlin remains defiant. Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov recently remarked that there are currently no prospects for a swift resumption of negotiations. However, Western analysts suggest that Moscow’s rhetoric is a tactical attempt to mask the mounting pressure from both the battlefield and domestic economic strain. By targeting Russian logistics, Ukraine is effectively draining the resources necessary for the Kremlin to sustain its aggression. As the EU reaffirms its commitment to providing long-term financial and military aid, Kyiv continues to maintain its strategic initiative. This synergy between advanced weaponry and consistent international financial support is seen by many in Brussels as the only viable path to ending the conflict on terms that respect Ukraine’s sovereignty. The determination of Ukrainian forces remains a cornerstone of European security, compelling international partners to expedite their assistance programs to secure a sustainable peace.