Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed anger over the EU’s decision regarding frozen Russian assets and warned of potential consequences for global security.
Zelenskyy Condemns Insufficient Pressure on Russia
In an interview with the French newspaper *Le Monde*, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that pressure on Russia from the United States and Europe is inadequate. He emphasized that easing sanctions does not contribute to increasing this pressure.
Zelenskyy noted that Russia earned billions of dollars just three weeks after a temporary exemption from U.S. sanctions on Russian oil loaded onto ships, stating, “This cannot contribute to reducing the intensity of the fighting.”
Hungary Blocks Loan to Ukraine, Zelenskyy Responds
Zelenskyy stated, “Delicately speaking, this is not normal,” regarding Hungary’s blocking of a loan for Ukraine. He expressed hope that European leaders will overcome this blockade or find an alternative.
He warned that without funding, the Ukrainian army will lack sufficient resources for drone production, long-range drones, interceptor drones, and air defense systems, posing a threat to global and European security.
Donbas Withdrawal Would Enable Further Russian Advances
Zelenskyy cautioned that withdrawing from Donbas, as demanded by Vladimir Putin, would risk the encirclement of Kyiv and the subsequent occupation of all Ukrainian territory. He highlighted the importance of Donbas as a location of vital defensive lines and long-established fortifications.
He argued that even a delayed occupation, two or three years from now, would be a betrayal of future generations.
Concerns Over Middle East Conflict Impacting Ukraine
Zelenskyy expressed concern that the war in the Middle East will negatively impact the situation on the Ukrainian front and divert global attention. He noted that weapons supplied to the region, including those from U.S. allies, are drawn from American stockpiles.
Kremlin Envoy Claims U.S. Influenced EU Decision on Frozen Assets
Kirill Dmitriev, Putin’s special envoy for investment and economic cooperation, stated that the United States played a “positive and constructive” role in the EU’s decision not to use frozen Russian assets—totaling 90 billion euros—to fund a loan for Ukraine.
EU Fails to Reach Agreement on Utilizing Frozen Russian Assets
EU leaders at a December summit in Brussels decided to provide Ukraine with 90 billion euros in loan support over the next two years, financed by common debt guaranteed by the EU budget. However, they failed to reach consensus on utilizing frozen Russian assets for this purpose.
Belgium, where the largest portion of Russia’s assets are deposited, was a primary opponent of directly accessing the Russian funds.
