Zelensky calls for keeping pressure on Russia because ‘this is what guarantees peace’
President Zelensky stated this at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, Ukrinform reports.
“And finally – one last point. What security guarantees can Putin offer? Before the war, many doubted whether Ukraine’s institutions could withstand Russian and Putin’s pressure. But in the end, it was Putin who faced an armed rebellion from within. He was the one who had to defend his own capital from his own war lords. That alone shows his weakness,” he said.
Zelensky also asked what would happen to the million Russian soldiers currently fighting in Ukraine. “This is why we cannot just agree to a ceasefire without real security guarantees, without pressure on Russia, without a system to keep Russia in check,” he stressed.
For the war for Ukraine, Putin pulled troops from Syria, from Africa, from the Caucasus, even from some part of Moldova.
“And right now, he faces a shortage of fighting forces. And if this war ends the wrong way, he will have a surplus of battle-tested soldiers who know nothing but killing and looting. And that is yet another reason why this war cannot be decided by just a few leaders – not by Trump and Putin, not by me and Putin, not by anyone here in Munich sitting down with Putin alone,” Zelensky said.
He stressed the need to put pressure on Putin together to achieve real peace.
“Putin cannot offer real security guarantees. Not just because he is a liar – but because Russia, in its current state, needs war to hold power together. And the world must be protected from that,” Zelensky stated.
He stressed that what is needed now is the creation of the Armed Forces of Europe and a common European foreign policy. It is also important “keeping all pressure on Russia because that pressure is what guarantees peace, not Putin’s words, not just some papers”.
“Putin lies. He is predictable. And he is weak. We must use that – now, not later. And we must act as Europe and not as a bunch of separate people,” he added.
As reported, the Munich Security Conference takes place from February 14 to 16.
Photo: MSC
