Zelenskyy at YES: Ukraine’s security guarantees are Europe’s security
During the annual Yalta European Strategy meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on the US and Europe to exert strong joint pressure on Russia, stressing that only a powerful multi-component air defense system and consolidated support from the West will force the aggressor to end the war in Ukraine.
The Gaze reports on it, referring to the Office of the President of Ukraine.
During the annual Yalta European Strategy meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to all participants for their support, in particular to Finnish President Alexander Stubb and US Special Representative General Keith Kellogg.
The President of Ukraine jokingly noted that the US has better air defense systems than Patriots, hinting that during General Keith Kellogg's stay in Kyiv, the people of the city can get some sleep from the shelling.
“I would like you to visit all cities in Ukraine. We would like a few more such American systems for our country,” the President said.
Zelenskyy emphasized that the US has a real influence on Vladimir Putin's actions, while appeals from other countries and international organizations, including China and India, do not change Russia's behavior. According to him, Putin is counting on the support of countries he considers strategic allies and hopes that money will allow him to “buy forgiveness” for his actions by continuing the war.
The President also recalled Russia's daily attacks on Ukrainian cities and shelling of Donbas, stressing that such crimes remain without consequences for the aggressor.
He stressed that only powerful pressure measures can change the Kremlin's priorities, forcing it to abandon aggression and focus on preserving its economy and system.
“Russia must believe that America, Europe, and the West as a whole will not allow Russia to wage war. This cannot be achieved through persuasion alone, through dialogue alone,” the President is convinced.
To achieve this, Ukraine is offering its partners a specific mechanism: joint airspace protection with the US and Europe. According to Zelenskyy, American air defense systems and combat aircraft within a multi-component defense system will make it possible to effectively counter Russian attacks.
“And this will definitely force Russia to end the war,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy added.
The Head of State also stressed that security guarantees for Ukraine are security guarantees for all of Europe.
He noted the importance of international support and isolation of Russia through sanctions, tariffs, and asset confiscation, emphasizing that concessions in the form of transferring Ukrainian territories to the aggressor will only lead to a temporary pause in the war.
As The Gaze informed earlier, key European partners of Ukraine, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, and representatives of the French, German, and Italian governments have arrived in Kyiv to discuss strengthening security in Europe.