President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s statements about the “Christmas truce” and the exchange of prisoners political PR. He said this during a press conference at the European Council in Brussels, emphasizing the lack of concrete proposals from Orban.
“The Christmas exchange sounds festive, but we are not having fun. Regarding the ceasefire issue. We need to know what will happen tomorrow in order to implement a cease-fire today. That is why Ukraine needs security guarantees – a strong position and security guarantees,” the President said.
Security guarantees and peacekeepers
Zelenskyy emphasized that European security guarantees are not enough for Ukraine. He emphasized the importance of NATO’s role, where decisions depend on the United States and the EU. Before Ukraine joins the Alliance, the presence of peacekeeping contingents from Western countries is also a possible option.
“On our way to NATO, we want to have security guarantees. It is important for us to raise the issue of the presence of a (peacekeeping) contingent, weapons and their range,” he said.
The President supported Emmanuel Macron’s idea of peacekeepers, but emphasized the need for clear details of their tasks, number and actions in case of Russian aggression: “The main thing is that it should not be a formality. We need efficiency.”
The need for air defense systems
The President said that Ukraine urgently needs 19 more air defense systems to protect 20 energy facilities. Otherwise, the country risks losing 4-5 gigawatts of power.
Also, according to him, additional American Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems are needed to protect Ukrainian cities.
Reaction to Putin’s statement
Zelenskyy reacted to Vladimir Putin’s “offer” to organize a “high-tech duel” with the West: “Do you see who we are dealing with? Do you think this is an adequate person? Just scumbags.”
Putin’s statement, made during the “Direct Line,” suggested that an Oreshnik missile would be launched at Kyiv as a test of air defense capabilities.
Gas transit
The President noted that Ukraine is ready to transport gas to the European Union only if it is not gas of Russian origin.
“If a European country is ready to receive gas and not pay money to Russia until the war is over, we can think about it. But we will not give Russia the opportunity to earn extra money,” the head of state said.