Zelensky in Washington: World cannot be secure without America

The head of state said this in his speech at the Reagan Institute in Washington, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"Americans are waiting for November. And Europe, Middle East, Indo-Pacific – the whole world is looking to November. And truly speaking – Putin awaits November too, but killing and destroying to get ready – to be ready for everything what November might bring," Zelensky said.

According to him, "even the anniversary NATO Summit which should become a top event does not indeed look strong in the media in contrast to what is expected from November."

It is time "to step out of the shadows, to make strong decisions work, to act and not to wait for November or any other month," Zelensky said. In his opinion, to this end, "we must be strong and uncompromising. All together. And first of all America."

"And first of all the leaders of America and the President of the United States as a leader of the free world. To be uncompromising in defending democracy, uncompromising against Putin and his coterie, uncompromising to every possible terror," he said.

According to Zelensky, this is how the Ukrainians acted when the full-scale war began, just like millions of people in the world and millions of Americans, including Joe Biden and U.S. Congress.

"Then the world saw that Putin could lose and democracy can win – can win even when it seemed impossible," he said.

However, later, according to the head of state, "someone began to think that it is better to delay than act... and partial solutions are better than victory." And "it started to appear that to defend freedom is allegedly unsafe," and "to put Putin in place for blackmailing the whole world is allegedly unprofitable."

"The world cantt be secure without America. America cannot be a leader and a world dream maker without caring for world affairs," Zelensky said.

The U.S. should not shy away from its power as it is America that keeps the freedom for the world, he said. "That's why the world values America – America which acts," Zelensky added.

"How much longer can Putin last? The answer to this question is right here in Washington – your leadership, your actions, your choice – the choice to act now," Zelensky said.

These days, at the NATO Summit, which has to become a strong event – strong decisions are needed, and "we are waiting for them, and we are counting on them," he said.

According to him, no one in the West has traded membership of European countries for 75 years: "But why does Moscow hope for this now? And why do the words 'Ukraine is a NATO member' cause more fear not in Moscow?"

Zelensky recalled that for decades, the world has relied on the principles of territorial integrity of states and inviolability of nations' borders. "But will these principles remain in force? We, in Ukraine, and all other neighbors of Russia including those to whom America has alliance commitments, need answers," he said.

"Don't wait months! America can be great every day," Zelensky said.

The NATO summit is taking place in Washington on July 9-11. The Ukrainian delegation is led by President Volodymyr Zelensky.