Zelensky warns Europe: Russian threat underestimated
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky warns the West of Russia's threat. In an interview with Polish media, he emphasised that the Nordic countries, Poland, and the Baltic states understand this threat, but the rest of Europe does not wish 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 is reluctant to accept that the Russians might advance further.
Zelensky believes that this is a crucial oversight by the West. “If you know for certain that the Russians will go further, then it is clear that you must act and impose more sanctions,” said the President of Ukraine.
Will Russia not stop at Ukraine? Zelensky has no doubts
He also stressed that negotiating will not be possible without security guarantees from the European Union and NATO.
- Ukraine must receive security guarantees. This is priority number one, and it is necessary for everyone, including you. Everyone has already understood that Russia is an adversary and could attack any European country. They have a significant level of forces for this and, regrettably, the desire. This must be prevented from Putin. We can talk about a ceasefire, but we can simply allow the Russians to prepare for another aggression, as we saw between 2014 and 2022. Therefore, it is very important to establish what guarantees will be in place for Ukraine, where NATO will be, where our weapons will be, and what our financial support will be, and so on - stated the President in the interview.
Russian missiles a threat to Europe
The President of Ukraine cautions that Russian missiles can reach any country in Europe. “The situation with the Russians is evident; they will continue to advance and fire,” added Zelensky. He emphasised that European politicians underestimate the threat posed by Russia.
Zelensky calls for strengthening Ukraine and increasing arms production in Europe. In his opinion, 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 stance on negotiations with Russia. He stressed that any agreements with Russia cannot be made without Ukraine's participation. Zelensky stated that Ukraine will react forcefully to attempts at negotiations behind its back.
- Any agreements with the Russians cannot be made without Ukraine. Therefore, Ukraine should respond very strongly if any country conducts negotiations with Russia without our knowledge. We should be informed and have consistent information with our allies - he firmly stated.
Zelensky also referred to the situation on the front line, where Ukraine is struggling with a shortage of soldiers and equipment. Despite difficulties, the Ukrainian army managed to halt the Russian offensive in the Kharkiv direction - he assured. The President emphasised that technological support and cooperation with allies are pivotal for the country's continued defence.
Who does Russia fear?
The President of Ukraine was also asked whether he thinks Donald Trump could fulfil his declarations and end the war in Ukraine.
- Trump is very keen to bring the war to an end. These are his claims, both public and private. He is capable of exerting pressure and influencing Russia. I am confident that Russia fears the United States, China, and a united Europe. Europe, without the Ukrainian army, cannot contend with the Russian army because it is larger numerically. Russia has more weapons, more personnel, and is more ruthless than Europeans - emphasised Zelensky.
- If Ukraine does not defend itself, he will move swiftly. This is a fact. I am absolutely convinced of this. The European Union must become three times more pragmatic and must triple its weapons production. You must produce to assist Ukraine, but also produce more for yourselves, so that the Russians are aware that Europe is increasing production and will be able to counter them. You must remain 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 comprehend one simple fact. The Nordic countries understand this, as do Poland, Romania, and the Baltics, because we are historically neighbours. But the rest… They do not want to acknowledge one truth about the Russians - they will advance further. Full stop. And I think that this is the most significant mistake because within this one statement lies the answer to all questions. Because 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
