Zelenskyy calls on EU countries to support natural gas and electricity

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has invited European Union (EU) countries to support Ukraine, whose energy infrastructure has been severely damaged as a result of Russian attacks, in the purchase of natural gas and electricity. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has invited European Union (EU) countries to support Ukraine, whose energy infrastructure has been severely damaged as a result of Russian attacks, in the purchase of natural gas and electricity. In his speech at the European Union (EU) Leaders’ Summit held in Brussels via videoconference, Zelenskyy stated that they were continuing to strengthen their air defense systems with the support of EU countries and said, “When we have a sufficiently strong and modern air defense system, we will be able to eliminate the basis of Russian terrorism. In other words, we will eliminate Russia’s ability to destroy others.” Emphasizing that the Russian army is trying to drag millions of civilians into disaster by targeting his country’s energy infrastructure, Zelenskyy said, “The next 6 months will require more effort than the past period. First of all, Russia’s energy terrorism must be completely defeated.” Noting that Ukraine needs energy support from the EU, Zelenskyy said that electricity worth around 800 thousand euros will need to be purchased during the winter season. Zelenskyy said, "We especially need support for the purchase of the gas volume used to compensate for the damage caused by Russian airstrikes in the production area. Approximately 2 billion cubic meters of gas are needed." Drawing attention to the need for continued arms aid to his country, Zelenskyy said that they need tanks, artillery systems, air defense systems and other heavy weapons. Zelenskyy requested that EU countries continue financial support for Ukraine and called for strengthening sanctions against Russia.