Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told European Union foreign ministers in KyivMonday he is "confident that Ukraine and the entire free world are capable of winning this confrontation [with Russia]."

"But our victory directly depends on our cooperation: the more strong and principled steps we take together, the sooner this war will end. It will end fairly. It will end with the restoration of our territorial integrity and reliable guarantee of peace for the whole of Europe," Zelensky said.

He described the ministers' presence in Kyiv as a "step towards strengthening Europe ... We need to constantly take new defense and diplomatic, political and integration, economic and sanctions steps that will make our common positions stronger," according to the Presidency's website.

"The more active we are, our leadership, our initiatives, the less likely Russia will be to adapt to our joint pressure," he said.

Besides further military aid and joint production of weapons, Ukraine's path to NATO membership and a fresh package of sanctions against Russia were among the important steps to be taken, as well as "the beginning of negotiations this year on Ukraine's membership in the EU," Zelensky added.

In response, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said: "You can be sure of our determination to be by Ukraine's side for as long as it takes."