West lacking ‘unity’ over Ukraine war, says Volodymyr Zelensky

Ukrainian  President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday that the West remained divided over the extent of its support for Ukraine in its defence against Russia’s months-long invasion.

“Unity is about weapons. My question is, is there this unity in practice? I can’t see it. Our huge advantage over Russia would be when we are truly united,” Zelensky said during a panel discussion on Ukraine at the World Economic Forum.

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The US and European countries have funded billions of dollars’ worth of arms into Ukraine to help the country’s forces beat back Russia. The total US commitment during the Russian invasion amounts to roughly $54 billion, when combined with aid package passed in March.  

Kyiv has called for greater support, membership to the US-led Nato military alliance, and for a no-fly zone to be imposed over Ukraine. 

Zelensky said Ukraine was grateful for support from the US but said resolve was lagging closer to home. “We are on the European continent and we need the support of a united Europe,” he added.

The Ukrainian President specifically named neighbouring Hungary, which has voiced opposition to a European Union-wide embargo on Russian oil, another key Ukrainian demand.

“Hungary is not as united as rest of EU,” Zelensky said.

He also pointed to a lack of consensus over Sweden and Finland’s  bid to join NATO, which has been called into question by Turkey.

“Is there this unity regarding the accession of Finland and Sweden to Nato? No, no. So, is there a strong joint West? No,” the Ukrainian leader said.

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He said that he  was only willing to talk directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin and not via intermediators.

He added that if the Russian President “understands reality” there was the possibility of finding a diplomatic way out of the conflict.