Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Europe to “act in its own interest“ and build “its own armed forces“ to defend itself against Russia, Agence France-Presse reported, quoted by BTA.
The call comes at a time when the Donald Trump administration is questioning the US commitment to the continent's security.
“From now on, things will be different and Europe must adapt to this. I believe in Europe and I urge you to act in your own interest,” Zelensky told participants at the Munich Security Conference.
“America will not offer security guarantees if Europe’s own guarantees are not solid,” he stressed.
Zelensky also insisted that Europe have a unified and coordinated foreign policy, adding:
“Thus, the end of the war in Ukraine will be our first common success.”
Russia does not want peace, but war
The Ukrainian president said that decisions about Ukraine and Europe cannot be made without their participation in the negotiations.
“If we are excluded from negotiations about our own future, then we all lose.”
He accused Russia of attacking the protective shell of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant with a drone, which according to him, it proves that Moscow does not want peace and is not ready for dialogue.
“Russian President Vladimir Putin cannot offer real security guarantees, not only because he is a liar, but also because Russia in its current state needs war to keep Putin in power“, Zelensky added.
According to him, Moscow may be preparing for a new military escalation.
Danger of deployment of Russian troops in Belarus
Zelensky said that Ukrainian intelligence suggests that Russia plans to deploy troops in Belarus this summer under the pretext of military exercises. He recalled that the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in the same way almost three years ago.
“It is not clear who this buildup of forces will be aimed at, but I see no signs that Moscow is willing to conclude a peace agreement“, the Ukrainian leader warned.
Zelensky stressed that Belarus borders three NATO countries and that Minsk has been turned into an important foothold for Russian military operations, including through the deployment of Russian long-range missile systems and nuclear weapons.
Warning to Western allies
The Ukrainian president called on Western allies to develop a strategy to deal with a potential new Russian attack.
He also warned that it would be “dangerous“ if Donald Trump met with Vladimir Putin before meeting him, Reuters reports.