The Ukrainian president participated this Friday in the meeting with leaders of allied countries
The Ukrainian president acknowledged this Friday that the EU’s unlocking of frozen Russian assets “is crucial” for Ukraine and expressed confidence in a political decision by the end of the year.
“The decision on frozen Russian assets is crucial for us,” said Volodymyr Zelensky, at a press conference after the end of a meeting with leaders of allied countries, in London and via videoconference.
Zelensky said the process will involve three steps: political decision, practical decision and implementation.
“Yesterday [quinta-feira] the political decision was a positive sign”, he said, alluding to the negotiations taking place in Brussels.
The Ukrainian leader added that he hoped to have a “practical decision by the end of the year” and after that the application: “we hope at the beginning of next year”.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen confirmed that she expects an EU decision by Christmas to guarantee financing for Ukraine in the coming years without harming European taxpayers.
“Some colleagues find this solution more difficult than I do, but we have to solve the problems”, he admitted, warning that “the alternative cannot be to let Russia win the war”.
The European Commission has proposed mobilizing Russian assets frozen by the Europeans since the start of the invasion of Ukraine to continue financing Kiev as a “reparation loan”, which could amount to 140 billion euros.
But discussions at the European Council on Thursday ended in an impasse due to the guarantees demanded by Belgium, the Member State where most of the Russian assets are frozen, and which does not want to bear all the associated legal and financial risks.
On the same day, the EU approved the 19th sanctions package against Russia, which includes the total suspension of imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) until the end of 2026, a year ahead of schedule.
Frederiksen acknowledged that “it’s late”, in a response to a journalist, while Zelensky said it was “better now than ever”.
“It is important that our partners focus on what is most practical and effective”, said the Ukrainian head of state, adding that it is “important that everyone agrees”.
“The combat front needs substantial attention”, reiterating the need for long-range missiles to reach Russian territory because “the more losses Putin has on his territory, the fewer attacks he can make on the combat front and the faster he will have to accept diplomacy”.
However, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte explained that the decision to supply Tomahawk cruise missiles is up to each country.
“The US is already providing Ukraine with various types of weapons,” he recalled, including equipment that only Washington can provide and that protects the population and civilian infrastructure.
