Russia continues to attack Ukraine's energy sector, Zelenskyy tells EU summit

Brussels, 20 March (CTK correspondent) – Russia continues to attack energy infrastructure in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told participants at today's EU summit in Brussels, according to AFP. The promised 30-day halt to attacks on the energy system by Moscow has changed nothing at all, he said. He urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to honour his promises. Zelenskyy also asked EU countries to approve five billion euros (about 125 billion Kč) for the purchase of artillery ammunition.

Moscow says it ordered attacks on Ukraine's energy sector to stop following Tuesday's phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

„Nothing has changed,“ Zelenskyy pointed out.

He joined the summit remotely and addressed EU leaders meeting in Brussels. The Russian army launched a new strike on energy infrastructure on Wednesday evening, he said. „We in Ukraine face this every day, every night,“ Zelenskyy said, according to AFP.

„Putin must stop making unnecessary demands that only prolong the war and start honouring what he promised the world,“ Zelenskyy added.

He also urged the European Union to maintain sanctions imposed on Russia over the war until the Russian army begins withdrawing from Ukrainian territory and Russia „pays full compensation for the damage caused by its aggression“.

„We need funds for artillery ammunition, and we would be grateful for European aid of five billion euros (125 billion crowns) as soon as possible,“ Zelenskyy said on Telegram, describing his video address to the summit.

He said investment was needed in the defence industries of both EU countries and Ukraine. The presidents and prime ministers of EU countries are due to discuss today, among other things, a proposal by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas for up to 40 billion euros in further aid to Ukraine.

This is envisaged in the conclusions adopted by EU leaders, with the exception of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. A total of 26 countries today once again expressed support for Ukraine and for „a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the principles of the UN Charter“.