Defend Ukraine to defend Europe itself: Zelensky

London: Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday that Europe must defend Ukraine and thus secure itself from Russia. Zelensky was addressing a meeting of Joint Expeditionary Force leaders in London through a video conference on Tuesday. He urged Europe to send more weapons, Reuters reported.

The meeting of Nordic and Baltic leaders was hosted by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to discuss European defence and security.

Zelensky told other attendees that they all are the target of Russia, and everything will go against Europe if Ukraine won't stand. He added, "you know the kind of weapon we need…."

He acknowledged that without Europe's support, Ukraine could not defend itself and added that he is thankful. But he said he needed more.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the European Union formally adopted sanctions aimed at punishing Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, including a ban on foreign investments and luxury goods exports, as well as imports of steel products.

In addition to freezing the assets of more businesses supporting the Russian state, the sanctions are published in the EU's official journal later on Tuesday. The list includes Chelsea football club owner Roman Abramovich.

As a result of the sanctions, "new investments across the Russian energy sector" have been prohibited, the European Commission said in a statement.

Sources in the EU told Reuters that despite the measure hitting Rosneft, Transneft, and Gazprom Neft, EU members can still buy oil and gas from them.

As a result of the ban, the Commission estimates that 3.3 billion euros ($3.6 billion) worth of goods will be affected.

As well as luxury goods worth more than 300 euros, exports of cars costing more than 50,000 euros will also be forbidden, EU sources said.

According to the Commission, the package also restricts access to European financial markets for Russia and Russian companies by prohibiting EU credit rating agencies from issuing ratings.