Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky believes the diesel agreement between the United States and Russia is only the first step. Speaking in Brussels on Friday, he warned that a deal on natural gas could come next, followed by an easing of sanctions on Russian banks.
Mr Zelensky was speaking at a press conference on the sidelines of the second day of the European Council.
Warning over the diesel deal
Asked about the agreement between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on diesel, Mr Zelensky criticised it as inappropriate.
He said he was certain that an agreement on natural gas would follow, and that the next step would be an easing of sanctions on Russian banks.
Such arrangements should be opposed, he said, asking who would challenge them if he did not.
Frozen Russian assets
Mr Zelensky also defended his decision to raise the issue of frozen Russian assets and their use by the EU for Ukraine’s benefit “before Russia does so”.
Question about the US midterms
The Ukrainian President smiled when asked whether he was “the scapegoat” for Mr Trump and his domestic problems as the US midterm elections approach.
Missiles for the winter
On Ukraine’s need for anti-ballistic missiles, Mr Zelensky said European countries have enough PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles to meet Ukraine’s minimum needs this winter.
“Will the Europeans support us? Yes. As for the quantity, I don’t know yet. But I know some things about specific countries,” he said.
“Are there enough PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles in Europe for Ukraine to get through the winter? Yes. According to the figures I announced, that is, the number we would like to receive for the winter, Europe has those numbers.”
One missile for each attack
Mr Zelensky said the current winter support package for Ukraine consists mainly of PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles. He has informed European representatives of the minimum number of missiles the country needs.
He explained that Ukraine’s request is based on using a single interceptor for each incoming Russian ballistic missile, rather than the two that are usually used.
“No one expects that two missiles will be used to shoot down a single ballistic missile from Russia, as is the usual practice. We are talking about ‘one to one’: the minimum, scarce resources we need. To be honest, all the leaders have this package,” he said.
Hopes for the Freyja system
Mr Zelensky also expressed hope that development of the “Freyja” anti-ballistic missile system would be completed. He said all member states that need it would then be able to benefit from it for their security.
Source: CNA
