Latvia PM: Europe is now Zelensky's only ally, winter will decide everything

Europe as the main patron

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs assessed the current geopolitical situation in an interview with Bloomberg. According to him, European countries are currently the only reliable ally left for President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Kulbergs identified determining the scale of assistance needed by Kyiv to successfully get through the winter period as the main issue for discussion during the European Council meeting in Brussels.

«Ми бачимо, що у Зеленського зараз лише один союзник — це фактично європейці. Найважливіше, що ми сьогодні обговоримо, — це те, що йому потрібно на цю зиму. Все залежить від цієї зими» ("We see that Zelensky now has only one ally — these are effectively the Europeans. The most important thing we will discuss today is what he needs for this winter. Everything depends on this winter"), emphasised the head of the Latvian government.

The factor of domestic political instability in the US

During the interview, the Prime Minister drew attention to the tension in relations between Kyiv and Washington. He explained that this situation is partly driven by domestic political processes in the United States.

The approach of the mid-term elections significantly affects the political atmosphere in the country and decision-making.

Oil revenues as a tool for financing the war

Kulbergs placed particular emphasis on the situation in the energy sector. Oil prices surged after Iran blockaded the Strait of Hormuz in response to strikes by the US and Israel.

Against this backdrop, as noted in the material, US President Donald Trump reached an agreement with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin on the supply of 2.25 million barrels of diesel fuel in October, with volumes to be increased in subsequent months.

The energy issue has gained particular weight ahead of the US elections, as rising fuel prices cause dissatisfaction among voters.

In the view of the Latvian Prime Minister, rising oil prices allow Russia to avoid a serious budget deficit and obtain funds to continue the war.

«Без вищих цін на нафту Росія мала б тотальний дефіцит бюджету і не мала б звідки взяти фінансування. Ормузький ефект вивів їх з води» ("Without higher oil prices, Russia would have a total budget deficit and would not know where to get the financing. The Hormuz effect pulled them out of the water"), he stated.