President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine’s “victory plan” in the war against Russia depends on quick decisions being taken by allies this year.
He made this remark at a press conference with European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen after they had a meeting.
Von der leyen landed in Ukraine on Friday morning. It is her eighth visit to the country.
Zelenskyy noted that he is not disclosing the details of the Plan for Victory yet, as he needs to discuss it with U.S. President, Joseph Biden first.
He intends to present the Plan for Victory to Joseph Biden on September 26, 2024.
According to the Ukrainian President, the implementation of some points of the Plan depends solely on decisions from the United States.
The Ukrainian President is counting on support from the U.S. President and the swift execution of the Plan in collaboration with partners.
“The Plan is based on decisions that should take place from October through December, without delaying the process. That is our hope. In this case, we will consider the Plan will work out.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Zelenskyy stated that his discussion with the European Commission President was “very substantive.”
“The priorities are clear – defending Ukraine. Our positions, our warriors, and the fair pressure on Russia for the war. Maintaining the resilience of both Ukraine and all of Europe. Especially relevant now, as winter approaches, is energy – protecting and restoring our infrastructure.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ursula von der Leyen discussed in detail the support for Ukraine’s energy sector, including necessary resources and strengthening the protection of critical infrastructure.
He highlighted the recently announced decision to provide additional EU support for winter preparations, totaling approximately €160 million, with €100 million coming from the revenues of frozen Russian assets.
He emphasized the need for the full use of frozen Russian assets for the protection of Ukraine from Russian aggression, a clear mechanism for allocating the $50 billion agreed upon at the political level, as well as strengthening sanctions against the aggressor state.
Zelenskyy also underscored the joint efforts to fully implement the Peace Formula. He stated that it is essential to strengthen Ukraine as much as possible in order to hold the second Peace Summit this year.
Moreover, the leaders focused on Ukraine’s accession to the EU.
“Our teams will work to accelerate the process of these critical negotiations for us,” the President added.
Ursula von der Leyen Discloses EU Plan To Support Ukraine’s Energy Sector
On her part, Ursula von der Leyen noted that the European Commission has developed a plan to support Ukraine’s energy sector during the winter. It includes restoring 2.5 GW of energy capacity and further integrating Ukraine into the European power grid.
Additionally, the EU plans to export 2 GW of electricity to Ukraine and ensure stable energy supply across all regions, covering more than 25% of the country’s winter energy needs.
“We are currently sending mobile gas turbines and solar panels. We also discussed measures to protect power plants,” said the European Commission President.
Russia has knocked out about 9 gigawatts (GW) of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which von der Leyen said was the “power equivalent of the three Baltic states.”
She also stated that the European Commission has approved proposals that will enable the EU to provide Ukraine with up to €35 billion in loans from the aid package agreed upon by the G7.
“It is very important that this loan will go directly to your state budget. This will improve Ukraine’s macro-financial stability and provide you with substantial fiscal support. You will decide how best to use these funds.”
Ursula von der Leyen
Zelenskyy told the joint press conference that Ukraine planned to use a proposed multi-billion dollar European Union loan for air defence, energy and domestic weapons purchases.
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