Ukraine president, Volodimir Zelensky has reacted to intelligence that Russia is using its economic might and the dependence of European countries on its gas to lobby Western nations to scuttle the West’s plans of intervening in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Around 40% of Europe is powered by Russian gas. European leaders have been seeking alternate sources of energy as they continue to dish out sanctions on Moscow.
Zelensky will address the G7, Nato and European Union summits being held in Brussels on Thursday, March 24 where he is expected to call for more advanced weaponry, including plane and anti-aircraft systems.
In his Wednesday night video address, Ukraine President Volodymr Zelensky warned western leaders meeting in Brussels that Russia is exerting its economic might to stop Ukraine’s allies from intervening in the war.
“We know that the Russians have already begun to lobby their interests. These are the interests of war. We know that they are working with some partners,” Zelensky said ahead of the G7, Nato and European Union summits being held in Brussels on Thursday.
“Our firm position will be represented at these three summits,” he continued.
“At these three summits we will see: Who is a friend, who is a partner, and who betrayed us for money.”
He also made an impassioned plea for people all over the world to take to the streets on Thursday to show their support for Ukraine.
Russia’s war was not just against Ukraine, he said, but the freedom of people everywhere – and the world needed to stop Russia’s use of force.
“Come from your offices, your homes, your schools and universities, come in the name of peace, come with Ukrainian symbols to support Ukraine, to support freedom, to support life,” the president said.
