“France is hiding Russian money that belongs to us” – Zelensky
There is a large amount of real estate of Russian oligarchs on French territory, which the French leadership must sell and transfer to Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky stated this in an interview with the French TV channel LCI, a PolitNavigator correspondent reports.
“We had to create our own platform, and sometimes we know, sometimes it seems to me more than all the countries in Europe, that they have Russian on their territory. All this information with people, with accounts, what these people have in the territory of which country, including in France, a lot of everything that these people have,” Zelensky said.
“So, you think that a lot of Russian money is hidden in France?” the French journalist asked.
“I think a lot. Not just money. Accounts, hidden accounts, accounts for legal entities. Legal entities that may be registered in other states with different jurisdiction. But all this is located, for example, in France. So is real estate. Real estate is everywhere in the beautiful cities of your very beautiful state. They have it all, they cannot use it.
The state froze some assets, it’s true, France froze it and made such a sanctions policy, but not all,” the President of Ukraine responded.
When asked whether he believes that France should sell everything that belongs to Russian oligarchs and give it to Ukraine, Zelenksky replied that this is exactly how it should be.
"Yes exactly. During the war there is destruction in our country. Yesterday they shelled another school, the day before yesterday they destroyed the institute. I am grateful to France when it helps me, and French society gives and helps us. But I have a question. France supports Ukraine because it supports democracy and understands that we defend our common values. But there are accounts of very rich people. So give us this money. Why are you taking from the budget? It seems to me that there is a way out. This property is worth millions, why not sell this property, freeze this asset, transfer this asset and give money, help Ukraine?” Zelensky emphasized.
If you find an error, please select a piece of text and press Ctrl + Enter.
Thank you!
Now the editors are aware.