Zelensky at EU Summit: Ukraine Urges Use of Frozen Russian Assets, Thanks EU for Sanctions and Defense Aid
#FrozenAssets #Ukraine #EUSummit
At a joint press conference during the European Union summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for stronger financial and military support from Europe, urging the EU to move forward with plans to use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction. The event came amid renewed Russian missile strikes and the deaths of journalists in Kramatorsk, which Zelensky described as “a big tragedy” and “proof that truth pressures Russia.”
Zelensky thanked EU leaders for adopting the 19th sanctions package against Russia and praised contributions to Ukraine’s air defense, highlighting new commitments from Finland, Spain, and Germany to the PERL program, which provides Patriot missile systems. He also expressed gratitude for U.S. sanctions on Russian energy, crediting President Donald Trump for supporting those measures.
The Ukrainian leader stressed that “pressure is also a weapon,” arguing that sanctions, financial aid, and defense support are essential for survival during what he called “massive attacks” on civilian infrastructure. Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine has been using domestically produced long-range weapons with ranges between 150 and 3,000 kilometers, and denied claims that U.S. systems were being used to strike targets inside Russia, emphasizing they are used only in occupied territories like Crimea and eastern Ukraine.
Responding to questions about the use of frozen Russian assets, Zelensky said Ukraine currently benefits from around $3 billion annually derived from these assets, but called for a “union decision” by the EU to fully unlock the funds, saying, “If Russia brought war to our land, they have to pay for this war.” He added that Kyiv hopes for a “positive political decision” from EU leaders soon.
On defense industry cooperation, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine’s production capacity for drones and missiles could reach $35 billion per year, if properly funded, and urged that Russian money should first support Ukrainian-made weapons, followed by co-production with European partners. He welcomed European commitments for 2026–2027 financial aid and encouraged further joint arms manufacturing, calling it “a common European arsenal.”
Addressing questions about peace efforts, Zelensky dismissed rumors of a new plan, reiterating that “the plan begins with will — to sit and speak, not to fight.” He said any future ceasefire must start with Russia halting attacks, adding that “more pressure on Russia and they will sit and speak.”
Asked about Norway’s role, Zelensky praised the Nordic partners, confirming continued financial, humanitarian, and energy aid from Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, while discussing Ukrainian gas needs after Russian strikes on energy infrastructure.
On U.S. relations, Zelensky referred to his recent meeting with President Trump as “not bad,” citing new sanctions on Russian energy and saying, “We don’t have meeting in Hungary without Ukraine — and we have not yet Tomahawks. That’s it.”
When pressed by The Wall Street Journal about possible “land swaps,” Zelensky rejected the notion outright: “It’s not a swap when you exchange your territory for your territory… We will not recognize any swap on our land. It’s about sovereignty. It’s not acceptable.”
Finally, asked about China’s involvement, Zelensky said Kyiv lacks a regular dialogue with President Xi Jinping, but stated bluntly, “China helps Russia, doesn’t help Ukraine, and is not interested in our victory.” He accused Beijing of providing indirect support to Moscow and concluded by stressing the need for stronger Western unity: “They are not interested in a strong Europe or in unity between the USA and Europe.”
1:35 Use of frozen Russian assets
3:54 Deployment of long-range weapons on Russian territory
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