Zelenskyy: Frozen Russian assets are Ukraine's right

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a press conference in Belgium's capital, Brussels, following his participation in the EU Leaders' Summit held there. During the meeting, he addressed the leaders of EU member states regarding Ukraine's position at the summit.Addressing the search for solutionsto meetfinancial needs, Zelenskyy noted thatwhat is at stakeis not justfinancial needsalone.not just about meeting needs, but about Ukraine's capacity to fight, hesaid. Zelenskyy added, "There are very significant, high risks for Ukraine. That is why today, I am pleasedto have had the opportunity to speak and convey important messagesfrom the Ukrainian side. Thiswas part of our meeting. Partof our discussion. ThemeetThe other part of our discussion was about diplomatic talks with our U.S. partners,hesaid.

When asked to comment on Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk's statement this morning regarding the EU's decision to provide funding to Ukraine, which was, "Either money today,or bloodtomorrow," Zelenskyy said,"Prime Minister Tusk is right that Ukraine will not be able to hold out if it is not supported. it has become a very high probabilityand in that case, Europe will pay the price in blood. Hethinks so. I agree with this. Because at the moment, Russia is not sending signalstoward peace with Europe,but rather other signals. I do not want to threaten or scare anyone. Everyone speaks for themselves," he said.

The country where a significant portion of thefrozen Russian assets in Europe are helddue to his stance on the compensation loan, which is of critical importance, he also met with Belgian PrimeMinister Bart De Weveranddiscussedthematter,with Zelenskyy stating that Belgium'snoted that he understands the risks faced. Zelenskyy said, "But we are in a state of war, and I think we are facinggreaterrisks."

"EU MEMBERSHIP, BSE CURITYGUARANTEESI"

Ukraine's EU membership should be accelerated, argued Zelenskyy, adding, "This depends on our steps and the steps of the leaders. Of course, provided these steps are not being politically obstructed. If the issue is related to legal regulations and reforms, I understand that logic. But if it is being politically obstructed, I do not understand that logic. However, I do understand who is doing it. This is an open secret. For usfor EU membership, is one of the security guarantees," he stated.

Providing details regarding the negotiations with the US, Zelenskyy said, "Donbas remains unresolved .is a complex issue. We have differentopinions on this. The nuclear power plant occupied by the Russians is notoperating; it has been damaged. But it needsto operate and generate energy. This is our plant, it is our rightis ours," he said. Zelenskyy continued as follows:

"There is progress in our dialogue with the US side. We have moved forward through several formats and several documents. I believe there is progress. This is a part of the negotiation process. The US is receiving changes regarding some articles and then with the Russian side...is seen."

"BIDEN SAID 'YOU WILL NOT BE IN NATO'"

Ukraine's NATO membership abandonedwhether it is true or not, in response to the questionbefore him, Zelenskyy said, "Since my first dialogue with former US President Joe Biden, I have been bringing up the NATO issue. Because the NATO goalis written in our constitution along with our European path. I asked him sincerely, 'Can Ukraine join NATO?'We want this, and the realthat there were security guaranteesWe know that. President Biden responded to this by saying, 'No, you will not be in NATO,'" he said.

Stating that he does not believe Ukraine needs to change its constitution, Zelenskyy said, "It is not others, but the Ukrainian people who should decide what to do regarding Ukraine's constitution. It is absolutely out of the question to do so due to Russian demands.This is our constitutionand the path we have chosen. Werequested security guarantees and we believe we deservethem," he added.

The US seeing Ukraine in NATOdid not seeit, but that this could change in the future,Zelenskyy said, "Perhaps some will realize that a strong Ukrainian army will strengthen NATO.Politiciansalsochange. People live and die. That is life. We are fighting for security guarantees. We are discussing thesetoday as well," he said.

Previously interpreted asa potential renunciationof Ukraine'sNATOmembership, thestatementRegarding his statements, Zelenskyy said, "I only said this. Icannot say 'we will not be in NATO' in any agreementmade between us and anyone else. I am not the one who makes this decision. This is the signal I gave to our partners. Whether they want to see us thereor not, or the agreements they have made or not made with Russia,is something only the member states of NATO would know.Our position has not changed," he said.

EXPECTATION FOR THE US TO PRESSURE RUSSIAItI

Stating that the US taking stepsto exert pressure on Russia is something he greatlydesires, Zelenskyy added, "I don't think Putin wants to stop this war. But if the US exerts more pressure, he could stop it. President Trump can do this. I thinkso."I think" he said."THIS MONEY IS UKRAINE'S RIGHT"

When asked to comment on

BelgianPrime Minister De Wever'sremarks that the compensation loan proposal was unlawful,Zelenskyy said,"To me, itTherefore, this is absolutely fair," he said.Zelenskyy added, "This money is Ukraine's right. Because Russia is destroying us, and it is absolutely fair to use these assetsto counter their attacks. Manyexperts and commentators say this is a 'clean' decision," Zelenskyystated. He used the following expressions:

"One might fear some steps Russia might take in the courts. But to be honest, this is not as frightening as having Russia on your border. That is why while Ukraine is defending Europe, you must also help Ukraine."

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy shared his address to the leaders at the EU Leaders' Summit on social media. In his speech there, he thanked the European leaders for their support for Ukraine.Expressing his gratitude, Zelenskyy said, "Europe has achieved a lot. Putin could not defeat Ukraine and has failed tobreakthespirit of Europe," he said.

Regarding the methodsRussia uses to threaten Europe and break its resistance,he addedevery methodhas failed,Zelenskyy claimed, "Europe no longerallows Moscow's energy manipulation. This was,a few years ago, impossiblea historic success that is visible. Russia hoped that Europe's defense support for Ukraine and the European defense industry would collapse, but this did not come to pass," he said.

The use of frozen Russian assets in Europe to support Ukraineto be usedarguing that it is morally legitimate, Zelenskyy said, "In towns and villages where peoplelive, no one can explain why using Russian money to rebuild these homesto be usedis wrong, especially when they were destroyed by Russian bombs,noone can explain it," he said.

Zelenskyy noted the following:

"No one can explain to a Ukrainian child whose parentshave been killed in this warthat the aggressor is not responsible. Just as drugtraffickersIf their money and theterrorists' weaponsare being seized, then Russia's assets should also be used for defense against aggressionand to rebuild what Russiahas destroyed. Thismust be used.This is moral, fair, and manyexperts agree.its legality has also been confirmed."

Zelenskyy argued that the compensation loan proposal is smart and fair, stating, "This strengthens Ukraine'snegotiating position andreduces the aggressor's motivation to prolong the war. Pressure must bring peace. The aggressormust pay for what they have done." he said.