President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on European leaders to stand together in defending the common interests of European nations, emphasizing that together, they can not only stop Russia's war against Ukraine, but also respond to other challenges.

"Together, we can not only stop Russia's war against Ukraine, but we can also respond to other challenges. This is possible for us – for Europe, not for any one leader alone. Please, stand together in defending the common interests of our nations. And we must likewise work together with our allies for our shared interests," the head of state said in his speech at the European Political Community Summit in Budapest.

Zelenskyy noted that Russia still profits from selling oil enough to continue its war and it still evades sanctions and buys drone and missile components worldwide. Also, Russia still has the capacity to spread instability and interfere in nations' lives in places like the Sahel, North Africa, the Middle East, and countries like Yemen.

"Why does Putin do this? We need leverage over him. All of Europe needs it," he said.