Zelenskyy calls for ‘maximum sanctions’ against Russia at WEF in Davos
Davos, Switzerland, May 23 (EFE).- Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Monday for “maximum sanctions” against the Kremlin and for all foreign companies to withdraw from Russia and transfer their operations to Ukraine.
“We offer the world the chance to set a precedent for what happens if you try to destroy a neighbor,” Zelenskyy told attendees at the World Economic Forum in Davos via videoconference.
The president urged business leaders at the WEF to withdraw from Russia and its “bloody interests” and welcomed them to move to the Ukrainian market, where they would support the reinstatement of freedom.
“I invite you to take part in this rebuilding,” he said.
Zelenskyy also asked for tougher sanctions, such as a full embargo on Russian oil and for all Russian banks to be barred from the global system.
The world cannot be ruled by “brute force,” Zelenskyy said, adding that the international assistance and military aid Ukraine had received so far was not enough.
“There are no more peaceful cities but ruins, and instead of tourism we have bombs and missiles, this is what will be left if we continue like this,” he said.
Zelenskyy said Ukrainian ports have been blocked by Russian forces, who are stealing wheat and blocking exports “day after day”.
“How can you buy wheat that you know has been stolen by the Russians from Ukraine?”
He demanded a corridor to be established to allow exports of wheat and sunflower oil to the rest of the world.
“We need to agree on a corridor, and Russia will not be able to stand against the leading countries of the world,” the president said.
Zelenskyy ended his speech with a call for unity and received a standing ovation, a rare event for the WEF in Davos.EFE
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