Zelenskyy: Trump could push EU to reduce dependence on Russian energy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that if US President Donald Trump takes serious action, it could motivate certain European countries to reduce or cut their reliance on Russian energy resources.

Speaking at a press briefing with journalists on September 19, Zelenskyy acknowledged the difficulty of moving European states away from Russian energy but emphasised that US leadership could make a difference, Caliber.Az reports via Ukrainian media.

“Getting European countries to give up Russian energy resources is a complex process, but if U.S. President Donald Trump takes serious steps, he could encourage some European states that maintain energy ties with Russia to move in that direction,” Zelenskyy stated.

He added that Ukraine supports Trump's stance on the issue and continues to engage with European partners on energy diversification.

“We, for our part, support his [Trump’s] position. And we, for our part, are working with European countries so they increasingly abandon the ‘Russians’ energy resources. But ensuring this is a very difficult process. The main thing is results. I believe, on the contrary, that if President Trump takes serious steps, he will give a stronger push to some European states that are engaged in energy economics with Russia,” he said.

Zelenskyy singled out Slovakia as a country that may soon shift its stance, citing the influence of the United States. He noted that he belives Slovakia will be close to such a move because "everyone looks to the United States."

He also mentioned Hungary and other countries involved in facilitating Russian energy supplies to Europe.

“Orban can’t remain alone. And it’s not only, by the way, Orban or Hungary. Hungary and Slovakia. There are some other countries that also provide the relevant infrastructure for all this – for ‘Russian’ energy resources. We very much want them not to link these processes. They must proceed in parallel to bring peace closer,” Zelenskyy said.

By Sabina Mammadli