Zelensky warns Europe: Russian aggression may not stop at 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, but the rest of Europe is reluctant to acknowledge it.
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 Russia might pursue further aggression.
Zelensky believes this is a crucial mistake by the West. “If you know for certain that the Russians will move further,” said the President of Ukraine, “then you know you must act and impose additional sanctions.”
Will Russia 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,” he said. “This is essential for everyone, including you. Everyone has already understood that Russia is an enemy and can attack any European country. They have the capacity for this and, unfortunately, the intention. We must prevent Putin from succeeding. We can discuss a ceasefire, or we can simply allow the Russians to prepare for another aggression, as we saw between 2014 and 2022. Therefore, it's very important to know what guarantees Ukraine will receive, where NATO will stand, where our weapons will be stationed, and what our financial support will be,” the President stated in the interview.
Russian missiles pose a threat to Europe
The President of Ukraine warns that Russian missiles can reach any country in Europe. “Everything is clear with the Russians,” added Zelensky. “They will move forward and continue their attacks.” He emphasized that European politicians are underestimating the threat posed by Russia.
Zelensky calls for strengthening Ukraine and increasing arms production in Europe. In his opinion, only such actions can effectively counteract Russian aggression. “This is a significant challenge,” noted the President of Ukraine in a conversation with Polish media.
No negotiations 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. He stated that Ukraine will react strongly to any attempts at negotiations conducted behind its back.
“Any agreements with the Russians cannot be made without Ukraine,” he firmly stated. “Therefore, Ukraine should react very strongly if any country conducts negotiations with Russia behind our backs. We need to be informed and have consistent information with our allies.”
Zelensky also referred to the situation at the front, where Ukraine is struggling with a shortage of soldiers and equipment. Despite these difficulties, 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 the country's ongoing defense.
Who does Russia fear?
The President of Ukraine was also asked whether he thinks Donald Trump is capable of fulfilling his declarations to end the war in Ukraine.
“Trump is very keen to end the war,” Zelensky said. “These are his claims, both public and non-public. He has the ability to exert pressure and influence Russia. I am sure that Russia is afraid of the United States, afraid of China, and afraid of a united Europe. Europe, without the Ukrainian army, cannot cope with the Russian army because it has superior numbers. Russia has more weapons, more manpower, and is more ruthless than Europeans,” emphasized Zelensky.
“If Ukraine does not defend itself, Russia will advance 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 know that Europe is strengthening its production capabilities and will be able to counter their actions. 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 grasp one simple truth,” he said. “The Nordic countries understand this, as do Poland, Romania, and the Baltic states, because historically we are neighbors and very close to each other. 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 critical mistake because the answer to all questions lies in this statement. If you know for 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
