Zelensky warns Europe: Russian threat looms beyond Ukraine
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, warns the West about the threat from Russia. In an interview with Polish media, he emphasized that the Nordic countries, Poland, and the Baltic states understand this threat. Still, the rest of Europe is reluctant to acknowledge this reality.
During a conversation with journalists from Onet, TVN24, “Rzeczpospolita,” and “Krytyka Polityczna,” Zelensky noted that Poland, Romania, and the Nordic countries are aware of the Russian threat. However, the rest of Europe seems unwilling to accept that the Russians might advance further.
Zelensky believes this is a significant oversight by the West. “If you are certain the Russians will move further, then you know that you must act and impose more sanctions,” said the President of Ukraine.
Will Russia not stop at Ukraine? Zelensky is certain
He also emphasized that negotiations will not be possible without security guarantees from the European Union and NATO.
- Ukraine should receive security guarantees. This is the foremost priority, and it is necessary for everyone, including you. Everyone has already realized that Russia is an adversary and can attack any European country. They have significant resources for this and, regrettably, such intentions. This must be prevented with regard to Putin. We can discuss a ceasefire, or we can simply allow the Russians to prepare for another aggression, as we observed between 2014 and 2022. Hence, it is crucial what guarantees will be for Ukraine, where NATO will stand, where our weapons will be, what our financial support will be, and so on - said the President in the interview.
Russian missiles a threat to Europe
The President of Ukraine warns that Russian missiles can reach any country in Europe. “Everything is clear with the Russians; they will move forward and shoot,” added Zelensky. He stressed that European politicians underestimate the threat posed by Russia.
Zelensky calls for strengthening Ukraine and increasing arms production in Europe. In his view, only such measures can effectively counter Russian aggression. “This is a serious challenge,” noted the President of Ukraine in a conversation with Polish media.
Negotiations not without Ukraine
Zelensky also expressed a clear position on negotiations with Russia. He stressed that any agreements with Russia cannot be made without Ukraine's participation. Zelensky stated that Ukraine will react strongly to attempts at negotiations conducted without its involvement.
- Any agreements with the Russians cannot be made without Ukraine. Therefore, Ukraine should react very strongly if any country carries out negotiations with Russia behind our backs. We should be informed about this and have consistent information with our allies - he firmly stated.
Zelensky also addressed the situation at the front, where Ukraine is struggling with a shortage of soldiers and equipment. Despite these challenges, the Ukrainian army managed to halt the Russian offensive in the Kharkiv direction, he assured. The President emphasized that technological support and cooperation with allies are key to furthering the country's defense.
Who does Russia fear?
The President of Ukraine was also asked whether he believes Donald Trump can fulfill his declarations and end the war in Ukraine.
- Trump is very eager to end the war. These are his claims, both public and non-public. And he has the ability to pressure, influence Russia. I am certain that Russia is afraid of the United States, fears China, and fears a united Europe. Europe without the Ukrainian army cannot cope with the Russian army because it is larger in terms of numbers. Russia has more weapons, more people, and is more ruthless than Europeans - emphasized Zelensky.
- If Ukraine does not defend itself, then he will move quickly. This is a fact. I am absolutely convinced of this. The European Union must be three times more pragmatic and must triple its weapons production. You must produce to help Ukraine, but you must also produce more for yourselves, so that the Russians are aware that Europe is producing more, and that Europe will be capable of countering them. You must stay ahead of Putin - he appealed.
The West does not understand Russia
Volodymyr Zelensky believes that the West does not understand Russia, which poses a threat not only to Ukraine but also to the entire European Union.
- I think that the West does not understand one simple thing. The Nordic countries understand this, as do Poland, Romania, and the Baltics, because we are very close to each other, historically we are neighbours. But the rest… They do not want to acknowledge one truth about the Russians - they will go further. Period. And I think this is the most crucial mistake because this one statement contains answers to all questions. If you are sure that the Russians will go further, then you know you must act and impose additional sanctions - he said.
Source: Onet, TVN24, “Rzeczpospolita,” “Krytyka Polityczna,” WP Wiadomości
