It is inadmissible to impose sanctions with one hand, and to sign new contracts with the Russian Federation with another - Volodymyr Zelenskyy

If you continue to pay Russia for energy, it is only a matter of time before Russian troops cross the borders of the European Union, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a video meeting at the Royal Institute of International Affairs Chatham House (UK).

According to the Head of State, the most important thing in any step, including sanctions policy, is transparency and honesty.

"You shouldn’t be a little evil and a little good. It is inadmissible to impose sanctions, and with another hand to sign new contracts with Russia. This is definitely inadmissible in times of war. This is hypocrisy," Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

According to the President of Ukraine, Russia earns a billion dollars a day

on energy.

"Don’t play. If you understand that you cannot do without this energy, then say that you will be able to do without it in two months, reach an agreement. Do not make exceptions for individual countries, act together. This is the essence of a united EU, this is the essence of the phrase "European Union",” the President emphasized.

According to him, the sanctions should be such that there is no need to renew them after implementation. If a decision is made to disconnect from the SWIFT system, it must be applied to the entire banking system of the Russian Federation.

The President of Ukraine thanked the European Union, the United States and the United Kingdom for their sanctions policy. At the same time, in his opinion, sanctions against Russia should have been applied preventively.

He expressed confidence that the European Union would eventually decide on a full embargo on Russian energy.

"It will be difficult for everyone, but all European families will be alive. Unlike ours. But if some European leaders do not do this, they will understand later when Russian troops will be on your borders. When the first missile flies, as it was with us, you will understand," Volodymyr Zelenskyy added, emphasizing that no Nord Stream is worth people's lives.

The President also drew attention to the fact that the Russian authorities are gradually implementing all their threats.

"When politicians say they will reach Germany, it is their thoughts, their dreams. When the EU is weakened and, God forbid, Ukraine falls, they will come to Germany. It is a matter of years. Their generations will be ready for this because of information policy. And, believe me, they will justify all their shameful steps," the Ukrainian Head of State stressed.