Kiev in talks with Germany, Italy on energy support, counts on EU's financial aid

MOSCOW. Oct 28 (Interfax) - Kiev is in talks with Germany and Italy on energy support, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky was quoted by Ukrainian media as saying.

"I'm negotiating with the Germans separately. The chancellor and I talked about it. I've already shown him all the scenarios. There are two companies in Germany and Italy producing the equipment needed to generate electricity. I showed him the required amount," Zelensky said in a conversation with Ukrainian journalists.

"I also talked to [Italian Prime Minister] Giorgia Meloni, and she is also ready to support. She has an alternative, it's gas. She asked me which was faster: either with this equipment or with the gas supply. She will talk to the companies. Both options are suitable for us," Zelensky said.

He also expects European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the Netherlands to help with energy. "We are currently working on all the details," Zelensky said.

He said he hopes for financial assistance from Europe. The European Union should provide stable financial support to Ukraine for some time, and European leaders are planning to do this for two to three years, Zelensky told reporters.

"I told them that we will not fight for decades, but you should show that you will be able to sustainably support Ukraine financially for some time. And that's why they have such a program on their mind - two or three years. Let's emphasize that you will consistently help Ukraine with funding for two or three years," he said.