On Friday Zelenskyy explained the defense agreements in a press conference.
“We have arranged ten-year contracts with three countries,” he said, adding that in return for its combat expertise, Kyiv will receive anti-missile equipment, financial support, and most importantly, the supply of fuel and diesel.
“In some cases, we receive crude oil that will be delivered to refineries in Europe for processing,” said Zelenskyy. “In others, we are talking about finished products – diesel.”
Kyiv is facing a severe oil shortage, due to Russia’s continued targeting of oil depots and the risk of putting too much oil in the country under attack.
Ukraine’s gas prices have also risen, while the government has admitted it is dependent on foreign suppliers for approx 85% of its oil reserves. POLITICO previously reported on how the Ukrainian military was doing diesel ratio – used to power heavy war machines, such as tanks and other armored vehicles on the front line.
Zelenskyy added that he had secured enough oil for next year and that similar agreements were in the works with Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain.
