Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke at a press conference in Brussels, addressing a number of important issues, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s statements about potential negotiations with Vladimir Putin. Zelensky described such comments as more of a political publicity stunt.
“The Hungarian Prime Minister, with all due respect to the citizens of Hungary, has no mandate for negotiations with Putin. His relationship with the Russian president is too warm for him to put Putin in his place,” Zelensky responded to a journalist’s question about whether he had spoken with Orban regarding a potential Christmas ceasefire.
Ukraine Will Stop Transit of Russian Gas
Amid international support and sanctions policy, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine would not support Russia financially, including through the transit of Russian gas.
“Any country that receives cheap resources from Russia becomes dependent on it. If a European country pays for Russian gas, it is still funding the war. We will not allow Russia to make additional profits from this war,” the President stressed.
He also criticized Slovakia’s stance, which had expressed concerns about financial losses due to the potential halting of gas transit.
“When Slovakia says it’s losing money, it’s shameful. Ukraine is losing people,” Zelensky added.
Zelensky Slams Putin’s Provocations
During the press conference, President Zelensky sharply criticized further provocative statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Putin suggested, as an experiment, to strike Kyiv with ‘Oreshnik’ missiles to see what happens. Do you think this is an adequate person? They are just lunatics,” Zelensky said.
He also pointed out that the so-called “Istanbul Agreements” promoted by Russia never existed.
“There were no ‘Istanbul Agreements.’ There was only Russia’s ultimatum to seize our territories. Putin lives in his invented world. He’s an old fantasist,” the President added.
On social media, Zelensky commented on Putin’s idea of a “duel” using missiles.
“People are dying, and he’s curious… Moron,” Zelensky wrote.
International Context
Zelensky’s remarks in Brussels come amid ongoing criticism of Russian aggression and growing sanctions pressure on Moscow. The President once again urged European partners to avoid any economic relations with Russia that could support the financing of the war.
Earlier, we reported on other revelations and crimes committed by the Kremlin. For more details, read the article “Forced Evacuation of Children from Donetsk: The Consequences of Russian Aggression”.