Zelensky understands that this year will be decisive for Ukraine - Latvian ambassador 0 8

Pildigovich noted that Zelensky's speech at the forum in Davos, in which he sharply criticized Europe for its lack of decisiveness regarding Russia, should be viewed in the context of current circumstances.

“This winter in Ukraine is the harshest in the last ten years; the Ukrainian people have been living for the past month in arctic winter conditions, with nighttime temperatures dropping below minus 20 degrees, and Russia has destroyed all cogeneration plants,” Pildigovich characterized the current situation.

In his opinion, Zelensky clearly realizes that Europe is Ukraine's closest ally, and his speech in Davos was a desperate call for support amid the current energy crisis and for even greater resolve from Europe. “This concerns both support for air defense and financial assistance,” the ambassador explained.

Pildigovich acknowledged that the European loan to Ukraine of 90 billion euros arrived in a timely manner; however, of course, this is not enough. He also noted that this involves issues of Ukraine's reconstruction and the expansion of the European Union, and reminded that Hungary is blocking the opening of these negotiations.

“Zelensky understands that this year is decisive for Ukraine. There is a certain Euroskepticism emerging in society that aligns with the narratives of the Kremlin. Unfortunately, some public opinion leaders in Ukraine are trying to assert that, in fact, Ukraine is not needed by anyone and is not a part of Europe at all; perhaps Ukraine should choose some third path, which from Latvia's perspective is dangerous,” Pildigovich commented.

At the same time, the vast majority of the Ukrainian people want to see Ukraine on the political map of Europe, and from Latvia's interests, it is also important that Ukraine is both in the European Union and in NATO, Pildigovich emphasized.