Zelenskyy reveals what could topple Kremlin's leadership soon
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Russia is facing economic problems, but is financing the war through energy sales. If these revenues disappear and social support declines, public dissatisfaction could rise, a scenario the Kremlin fears, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a briefing with journalists.
He noted that, as of today, Russia faces economic problems but will not admit them publicly because it has "a lot of cash."
"Russia has many different types of money — I mean money in various forms. The largest source of budget revenue is energy resources: the sale of energy, primarily gas and oil," the president explained.
Zelenskyy added that Europe receives Russian energy indirectly through other countries. This system allows Russia to export energy and receive funds, which it spends exclusively on the war.
"Why exclusively on the war? Because we do not see an increase in social support in Russia. Therefore, all these funds go to the war," the head of state said.
He emphasized that a shortage of war funding would reduce social support for citizens. This, in turn, would lead to public dissatisfaction — something Russian leadership fears.
"If social support decreases, people will be dissatisfied. And accordingly, the Russian leadership will be dissatisfied. Historically, Russia has always changed through popular uprisings caused by hunger. I do not want to say in which direction, but new leadership always emerges. So, undoubtedly, they fear this," Zelenskyy stated.
The president also called on Europe to immediately stop all supplies from Russia, supporting similar measures by the United States.
"There are risks, we understand that. Alternative logistics may be more expensive. But we must find a solution and stop buying energy resources from certain countries — ultimately, from Russia," the president concluded.
Ukraine to offer Slovakia alternatives for oil and gas supplies
Zelenskyy previously announced that in October, Ukraine will propose alternative energy steps to Slovakia, offering a replacement for Russian gas and oil.
He also noted that Ukraine could engage with Hungary. However, Budapest has taken no concrete steps, providing only media signals that do not support Ukraine.
