In Munich, Zelensky emphasized the importance of the PURL (Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List) program, which allows allies to finance the purchase of weapons and ammunition from US warehouses for Ukraine. He thanked for the help, singling out the actions of Germany, Norway and the Netherlands.
Zelensky also asked the leaders of other countries to “ask themselves whether they are ready not only for the challenges of Russian aggression, the challenges of modern war, but also for constant efforts to convince the world to fight for support in defending the interests of your country every day, just as Ukraine must do.”
Zelensky addressed the leaders. “Imagine”
The President of Ukraine recalled that his country is constantly attacked by Russia. — I want you to understand the true scale of these attacks on Ukraine. As you can see, in just one month, in January, we had to defend ourselves against 6,000. attack drones, most of which were Shahed drones, as well as over 150 Russian missiles of various types and over 5,000 glide bombs. And it happens every month. Imagine this over your cities. Destroyed streets, destroyed houses, schools built underground. And this is what everyday life looks like in Ukraine thanks to Russia – Zelensky noted.
The Ukrainian leader also drew attention to Russian attacks on the country's energy infrastructure. He then discussed how Russian weapons developed over the course of a full-scale war. — The longer the war lasts, the more resources the aggressor receives, the more dangerous the consequences become, the more dangerous the evolution of weapons and war itself, as well as the evolution [samego] Putin – he emphasized.
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What were the main topics of Zelensky's speech in Munich?
What did Zelensky say about Russia's attacks on Ukraine?
Which countries did Zelensky mention when thanking them for their support?
What role does Ukraine play in stopping Russian aggression according to Zelensky?
Zelensky also stressed the importance of anti-drone defense, emphasizing that Ukraine has “more experience in it than anyone else in the world.”
— That's why, while we are investing in interception and protection, Russia is investing in breaking the unity between all of us, our unity with you, unity in Europe, unity within the Euro-Atlantic community, they want to break it. Why? Because our unity is the best means of intercepting Russia's aggressive plans. The best – and we still have it – he emphasized.
He then mentioned several countries again, thanking them for their help. He talked about countries such as: Denmark, Germany, The czech republic, Great Britain, France, Netherlands, Italy, Poland, United States, Canada, Türkiye, Japan and Nordic countries.
Zelensky reminded that Russia also has its allies – he mentions North Korea and China.
During his speech, Zelensky also emphasized how important it is to stop the activities of the Russian “shadow fleet”, which allows Moscow to finance its war.
Zelensky warns against Putin. “Can you imagine Putin without war?”
The President of Ukraine further noted that his country plays a key role in stopping Russian aggression as they ensure a free and independent Poland, the Baltic countries, Moldova and Romania.
Zelensky also criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, with whom he had publicly conflicted in recent weeks. — Even one “Viktor” can think about how to enlarge his belly, and not about how to expand his army to stop Russian tanks from returning to the streets of Budapest – he said.
He then warned that Putin was not interested in anything other than war. — Putin consults Tsar Peter and Tsarina Catherine more often on matters of territorial gain than any other living man on matters of real life. Can you imagine Putin without war? – he asked rhetorically. According to Zelensky, the Russian leader “is no longer interested in anything else” than war because he “cannot imagine life without power.”
According to Zelensky, “Putin may consider himself a tsar, but he is a slave to this war“. The President of Ukraine also stressed the importance of security guarantees for the country. “We hope that President Trump will listen to us,” he said.
The Ukrainian president also stated that his country currently has “the strongest army in Europe”, which is why it needs Ukraine. — I believe it is simply not wise to keep this army outside NATO – he said. – But at least let it be your decision, not Putin's decision – he emphasized.
In such speeches, the president also recalled the case of a Ukrainian athlete disqualified from the Olympic Games for wearing a helmet with the image of athletes who died during the war with Russia, pointing out. that Kyiv can oppose Moscow.
Zelensky then referred to the talks that are to take place next week in Geneva. He expressed hope that they would be “serious, substantive and helpful.” However, he said, he had the impression that “the parties are talking about completely different things.”
He further recalled that Russians often return to the topic of Trump's meeting with Putin in Alaska, and Americans “often return to the topic of concessions, too often discussed in the context of Ukraine, not Russia.”
Zelensky emphasized that European countries almost do not sit at the negotiating table, which – in his opinion – is a mistake.
The President of Ukraine compared the current situation to the Munich Agreement of 1938, when “the previous Putin began to divide Europe.” — It would be an illusion to believe that this war could now be effectively ended by dividing Ukraine, just as it was an illusion to believe that sacrificing Czechoslovakia would save Europe from a great war – he pointed out.
According to Zelensky, the main goal of the peace talks now is to ensure that “in four years, the civilized world will not be forced to justify itself again, shift responsibility and again look for someone to blame” for another war. He further emphasized that “Ukraine is ready for an agreement that will bring real peace to us, Ukraine and Europe.”
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
