Ukraine: President Volodymyr Zelensky Accuses Europe Of Insufficient Reaction
Topics: Russia, Ukraine, Vladimir Putin, World News
Emily Brown
Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Russia, Ukraine, Vladimir Putin, World News
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Europe of having an insufficient reaction to the full-scale invasion launched by Russia.
Zelensky made the comments during a televised address today, February 25, after Vladimir Putin sent troops across the border and began bombing major cities in Ukraine yesterday.
In response to the attacks, the European Union announced that it was assessing the 'strongest, harshest package' of sanctions against Russia while the UK shared news of its 'largest set of sanctions ever', however Zelensky indicated it was not enough, as he addressed Ukrainian troops and told them they are 'all [Ukraine] has'.
Advert
Per Sky News, the president said, 'The invasion of Russia into Ukraine is not just an invasion, it's the beginning of the war against Europe. Against the unity of Europe. Against basic human rights in Europe. Against all rules of coexistence on the continent. Against the fact that European states refuse to divide borders by force.'
Zelensky added, 'What are you going to do about it? How are you going to defend yourselves if you are so slow helping us in Ukraine?'
The EU's package includes sanctions aimed at the financial sector and the energy sector, plus a ban on the sale of aircrafts and equipment and limits to Russia's access to 'crucial technology' and visas for 'diplomats and related groups and business people'.
Meanwhile, sanctions issued by the UK relate to five oligarchs who are close to the Kremlin as well as more than 100 businesses, including 'all the major manufacturers that support Putin's war machine', Prime Minister Boris Johnson explained.
Downing Street has said today that 'nothing is off the table' in terms of the UK's support of Ukraine, with Johnson's official spokesperson implying more support is on the way as the situation continues to unfold.
He said, 'For operational security reasons, I wouldn't comment on the time scale and the progress of deliveries, but we've talked about protective equipment, helmets body armour, as well as some of the defensive lethal aid that we provided in terms of anti-tank weaponry.'
'We're working closely with Ukraine, and its neighbours, to support them and to support Ukrainians fleeing the country.'
Though Johnson appears determined to continue supporting Ukraine, Downing Street indicated there would be no more talks between the prime minister and Putin in the coming days, saying that the UK and its allies 'tried every avenue for diplomacy until the final hour', but that Putin was 'always determined to attack Ukraine' no matter what.
If you have a story you want to tell, send it to UNILAD via [email protected]