Zelensky thanks EU for sanctions against Russia, but notes it is 'somewhat too late'

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the European Union for the sanctions against Russia, but noted that it was "somewhat too late."

"I want to thank [the European Union]. You are united around us. One way or another, in different ways, but the main thing is that you united. And we appreciate it. You applied sanctions, we are grateful. These are powerful steps, but it was a little too late. Because if it had been preventive, Russia would not have gone to war. No one knows for sure, but in any case there was a chance," Zelensky said during a speech at the European Council.

Zelensky also recalled the blocking of the Russian Nord Stream 2 project in the EU.

"And that is right. But it was also a little too late. If it had been on time, Russia would not have created a gas crisis either. In any case, there was such a chance," he stressed.