Yesterday at 20:05
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that U.S. President Donald Trump could play a key role in persuading certain European governments to end purchases of Russian oil. Zelenskyy made the remarks during a press briefing in Kyiv, Ukrinform reports.
“We are working with European countries so that they increasingly abandon Russian energy resources. But ensuring this is a very difficult process. The main thing is the result. I believe that if President Trump takes serious steps, he will push some European states that maintain energy ties with Russia,” Zelenskyy said.
According to the Ukrainian leader, many European capitals closely watch U.S. policy, which gives Washington significant leverage.
“We believe, for example, that Slovakia will be close to this. Everyone is looking to the United States, in my opinion. [Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor] Orbán cannot remain alone. And it’s not only Orbán or Hungary. Hungary and Slovakia—and some other countries—also provide the necessary infrastructure for Russian energy supplies,” he noted.
Zelenskyy stressed that reducing Europe’s reliance on Russian oil is essential for undermining the Kremlin’s ability to finance its war against Ukraine.
The remarks came a day after the European Commission approved proposals for the EU’s 19th sanctions package against Russia, which targets the energy sector as a priority.
