Russia wants to provoke another Ukrainian migration wave to EU through shelling – Zelenskyy
EUROPEAN PRAVDA — THURSDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2022, 20:43
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that Russia’s shelling of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure aimes at exacerbating the ‘energy blackmail' of Europe, as well as provoking another wave of Ukrainian migration to the EU.
As reported by European Pravda, Zelenskyy stated this in his address to the leaders of the European Union at the summit on Thursday.
The President noted that, until recently, Ukraine used to export electricity to the EU, which "was a very significant contribution to Europe's energy and price stability".
"However, this help of ours has become an obvious target for Russian terrorists. Unable to use energy resources as a weapon, the current leadership of Russia has given the order to turn the energy system itself into a battlefield. The consequences of this are very dangerous for all of us in Europe," he added.
According to Zelenskyy, the shelling is aimed at "creating as many problems as possible with electricity and heating for Ukraine this autumn and winter, and forcing as many Ukrainians as possible to seek refuge in your countries."
"The terrorist state has already worsened social conditions in your countries, but it wants to worsen it further by provoking a migration wave," Zelesnkyy said.
In his opinion, the European Union must respond to this by enhancing Ukraine’s air defences and imposing stricter sanctions on Russia and Iran, which is helping Russian troops with their UAVs.
"It is good that the first step has already taken place: new individual sanctions against Iranian individuals and companies have been approved. But [sanctions on] a few individuals and companies are not [enough to absolve Iran of its] responsibility yet. More systematic steps are needed," the President added.
As reported earlier, a two-day summit of the European Council started on Thursday in Brussels; the main topics are energy and Russia’s war against Ukraine. The European Council also has to discuss recent events relating to the war of aggression by Russia against Ukraine, and further support for Kyiv.
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