Zelenskyy to EU leaders: 'Do not betray people, Putin will use it against you'
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Europe today mustn't fall into indecision and betray the faith of the people. Russia will use indecision to its advantage, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says in an address to EU leaders, Politico and The Guardian report.
"It’s very important that Europe doesn’t fall back into indecision today. Nobody wants Europe to be seen as untrustworthy. Or as unable to take decisions it prepared itself," the head of state says.
Zelenskyy emphasizes that Ukraine had done its homework from the EU, and adopted laws, thereby fulfilling the recommendations of the European Commission.
He calls on EU leaders not to give Russia a chance to use Europe's resolve towards Ukraine.
"People in Europe won’t see any benefit if Moscow receives a pass from Brussels in the form of negativity towards Ukraine. Putin will surely use this against you personally, and against all of Europe. Don’t give him this first – and only – victory of the year. Europe must win, agreements must be honoured, and words must matter," the President emphasizes.
Zelenskyy also recalls that during the Revolution of Dignity, Ukrainians came to the center of Kyiv under the flags of the European Union.
"10 years ago in Ukraine, people rose up under the flags of the European Union … I ask you one thing today — do not betray the people and their faith in Europe," he adds.
EU leaders' summit
The EU leaders' summit has started today in Brussels. It will discuss several issues related to Ukraine. In particular, the start of EU accession negotiations, as well as the provision of 50 billion euros in economic support and another 20 billion euros for Ukraine's army. In addition, a new package of sanctions against Russia is on the agenda.
It is known that Hungary will block support for Ukraine, especially about EU accession. Negotiations were held with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, which postponed the start of the summit.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not attend the EU leaders' summit but is known to have addressed the EU online.
Read RBC-Ukraine's article on whether Brussels will give Ukraine €50 billion and when negotiations on EU accession will begin.
