Zelensky grateful to EU for support, not for Nord Stream 2

26.09.2019 10:40

Ukrinform

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that his phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump during which he criticized the EU took place at a difficult time when Russia's voting rights in the PACE were restored and sanctions did not stop Nord Stream 2.

"Ukraine is grateful to the EU for all support, but the construction of a Russian gas pipeline poses a direct threat to Ukraine's security," he said in New York on Wednesday, September 25.

"I tell you very honestly. I am responsible for all my words. I thanked and continue to thank [the EU] many times. Now, at a meeting with President Trump, I said so again. I am grateful for any assistance to Ukraine, in particular, from our European leaders. From Ms. Merkel, from Mr. Macron and many others," Zelensky said when asked whether the disclosed text of the phone call with criticism of the EU could create problems with European partners.

At the same time, he said that the telephone conversation with Trump took place "during a very difficult period," when Russia was returned to the PACE, and it emerged that no sanctions would stop the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.

"I have talked about this with all the leaders - those mentioned in that conversation and others - and many of them said: 'We understand, but in these matters, it will be so'," Zelensky said.

The president also added: "I don't want to say anything bad about anyone. We thank everyone who helps us, but I told the truth. Nord Stream is a threat to us. You know, it's a big threat to energy security," Zelensky added.

He recalled that after the construction of the Russian gas pipeline, Ukraine could lose up to $3 billion in gas transit revenues.

"My vision is that Nord Stream 2 is a kind of a gradual lifting of sanctions. This is my personal vision, and I say it openly. As for the rest, we really thank everyone. The European Union countries help us greatly," he concluded.

Zelensky is on a working visit to the United States on September 23-26 to attend the 74th session of the UN General Assembly. He also met with Trump on September 25.

On September 25, the White House's press service released a classified document with a transcript of a July 25 phone call between the presidents of Ukraine and the United States that caused a political scandal in the United States.

Zelensky said during the phone call that the EU is not helping Ukraine enough and that the real help is coming only from the United States.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced a formal impeachment inquiry into Trump over the whistleblower complaint on Trump's communication with Ukraine about Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden.