Zelensky calls on European leaders to maintain unity, not to give in to Putin

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine called on European leaders to preserve European unity more decisively, as this is an important guarantee of long-term peace.

The Ukrainian head of state said this during a speech at the inaugural plenary session of the European Political Community summit, which is being held in the UK, reports Ukrinform.

"We have maintained unity in Europe and are acting together, which means that Putin has missed his primary target – he has failed to create division in Europe. The more decisive Europe is in preserving this unity, the longer-lasting peace we will ensure. Putin cannot sustain relationships with truly strong leaders, and this is our advantage, but it remains an advantage only as long as we are united," Volodymyr Zelensky said.

He warned that Vladimir Putin “may try to approach you or go to some of your partners individually, trying to tempt or pressure you, to blackmail you, so that one of you betrays the rest – weakening our unity”.

“Yes, everyone chooses for themselves how to act, of course, and what legacy to leave. But if someone in Europe tries to resolve issues behind others’ backs or even at the expense of someone else, if someone wants to make some trips to the capital of war – to talk and perhaps promise something against our common interests or at the expense of Ukraine or other countries, then why should we consider such a person? The EU and NATO can also address all their issues without this one individual," he stressed.

In his speech, the president also noted the importance of diplomatic efforts toward achieving peace.

"And what we must do utmost this year are Peace Summits. I am grateful to Switzerland and all the partners who helped us organize the first Peace Summit. It was a success for everyone who wants a just end to this war. Now we are preparing for the second Peace Summit, and soon working groups will begin on the points of the Peace Formula. These are energy security, food security, and a humanitarian group that will deal with the release of prisoners and the return of deportees. Later, there will be other groups. I ask all of you to support these efforts, join the common work, and choose for yourself the points of the Peace Formula where you can show your leadership," Zelensky noted.

He also asked fellow participants of the summit to convince partners around the world "that they also have to be brave regardless of threats and blackmail – their joint efforts are needed for the sake of peace."

" When the aggressor loses – the world wins. This has happened repeatedly in human history. It must happen this time too to the Russia’s aggression," Zelensky assured.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, the 4th summit of the European Political Community with the participation of Ukraine started in the UK on June 18. The plenary session was opened by the Prime Minister of the host country, Kier Starmer. It is attended by 47 heads of state and government: 27 member states from the European Union and 20 other countries of the continent.