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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that for Ukraine, the issues of potential negotiations to end the war and security guarantees are inseparably linked. Without reliable guarantees, he warned, Russia could regain its strength and attack again.
He shared this in an interview with a group of Polish media during his visit to Warsaw.
Zelenskyy expressed full support for ending the war through diplomatic means. “This requires willingness. Even if one party doesn’t want it – and Russia clearly does not – we can rely on the formula we are discussing: ‘peace through strength.’ When partners unite and force dialogue through strength,” he said.
The president added that before sitting at any negotiation table, Ukraine needs security guarantees. He stressed that this is crucial not only for Ukraine but also “for everyone.”
“Everyone already understands that Russia is an enemy and is capable of attacking any European country to occupy it. They have significant resources for this and the desire to do so. Yes, they are irrational. But the main question is whether Russia could return again, invade another country, or devise something else. Or even escalate to nuclear war. Steps must be taken to prevent such actions by Putin and Russia,” he emphasized.
“It’s possible to simply discuss a ‘ceasefire’ – and give the Russians a chance to prepare for another occupation. That’s what happened between 2014 and 2022. Therefore, it is crucial to determine what Ukraine’s security guarantees will look like. Where is our NATO? Where is our weaponry? What will our support – financial or otherwise – be like?” Zelenskyy stressed.
He noted that maintaining an army of millions, which Ukraine needs to defend itself, is a significant challenge requiring substantial financial resources and weaponry.
“You have to rely only on yourself.” And we know what ‘on yourself’ means. Which European army today is larger than Ukraine’s? None. This is not an advantage but a fact that comes with enormous costs,” the president explained.
“But Trump, I believe, is capable – and God willing, he can – of offering Ukraine real security guarantees. Guarantees that will be meaningful for us, for Europe, and even for the Russians, indicating that these are genuine security guarantees. That Ukraine will be able to defend itself and others if Putin makes another move,” Zelenskyy noted.
He also stated in the interview that the prospect of ending the war or reaching a truce in Ukraine depends on Europe’s willingness to take a tougher stance on Russia. He asserted that without the Ukrainian army, Europe “stands no chance against Russia.”
Read also: Russia exploiting energy crisis in Moldova to justify future aggression – ISW
