The aggressor country Russia is building a long-term anti-European strategy that goes beyond the short term and represents a long-term security challenge for Europe. This was stated by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky in an evening address on June 13, the transcript of which was published by his press service.
According to the head of state, a number of European leaders recognize that Ukraine is an important component of European security, as it has unique combat experience and capabilities necessary to contain Russia.
“Taking into account Russia’s long-term intentions – the fact that Russian bases are now being built near Europe even in places where there were no military bases in Soviet times – this clearly indicates that without Ukraine, without our capabilities and our experience, Europe could be extremely difficult. All this must be taken into account,” Zelensky emphasized.
Separately, Zelensky said that Russia is trying to influence European politicians through financial and other benefits, so that they make decisions in favor of Moscow and contrary to the interests of their states and the EU.
“In the end they will lose as [бывший премьер-министр Венгрии Виктор] Orban, but many are still trying to make friends with Putin’s wallets and turning a blind eye to what is really happening,” Zelensky said.
He noted that Ukraine must end the war against the Russian Federation with dignity and with guaranteed security.
“The fate of Europe is being decided here, it is being decided in Ukraine, in this war and how this war will end and whether Russia will still have the strength and desire after this war to encroach on the lives of Ukraine and other neighbors, on our entire Europe,” he added.
