– There has been a lot of talk about the need to give in to Putin, to withdraw, to make some concessions. It is unacceptable for Ukraine and unacceptable for all of Europe, Zelenskyy said at the summit of the European Political Community (EPF) in Budapest on Thursday.
It is Zelenskyi’s first speech after Donald Trump won the US presidential election, Ukraine’s biggest contributor. Trump has boasted that he can end the war in Ukraine within hours, and has repeatedly criticized US military and financial support for Ukraine.
At a press conference after the summit, Zelenskyy said he is not familiar with the details of Trump’s plan to bring a quick end to the war.
– Hugging Putin does not help
Putin has demanded that Ukraine cede more territory in the east and south as a precondition for peace talks. In the speech, Zelenskyj also accused some European leaders, without naming names, of strongly pressuring Ukraine to compromise.
– We need sufficient weapons, not support in talks. Hugging Putin doesn’t help. Some of you have been hugging him for 20 years, and things are only getting worse, Zelenskyy said.
A cease-fire without security guarantees for Ukraine is very dangerous, the president further believes.
– It is a preparation for continuing the occupation, he said at the press conference.
– Suffered loss
According to Zelenskyj, some of the 11,000 North Korean soldiers sent to the Kursk region in Russia have participated in battles with Ukrainian soldiers.
It has led to losses for the North Korean forces, Zelenskyj said.
Earlier this week, Ukrainian authorities claimed that North Korean soldiers had clashed with Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region for the first time. Intelligence from, among others, South Korea, the USA and Ukraine indicates that 12,000 North Korean soldiers are deployed in Russia.
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**Interview with Dr. Elena Kovalenko, an Expert on Eastern European Affairs**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Kovalenko. Recently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made strong statements regarding concessions to Vladimir Putin. Can you summarize the core message from his remarks?
**Dr. Kovalenko**: Absolutely. President Zelensky has made it clear that any concessions made to Russia would be unacceptable, not only for Ukraine but for the entire European continent. He believes that giving in to Putin’s demands would undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and set a dangerous precedent for Europe as a whole.
**Interviewer**: That’s a significant assertion. What do you think are the implications of Zelensky’s stance for the current geopolitical landscape?
**Dr. Kovalenko**: Zelensky’s stance reaffirms Ukraine’s commitment to its territorial integrity and sovereignty. It also signals a united front among European nations. If European countries stand firm against any potential compromises with Putin, it could strengthen NATO’s resolve and deter further Russian aggression. However, it also puts significant pressure on Western governments to support Ukraine, both politically and militarily.
**Interviewer**: Some voices suggest that concessions might lead to a quicker end to the conflict. How do you respond to that argument?
**Dr. Kovalenko**: While the desire for a swift resolution is understandable, making concessions to an aggressor can often lead to a cycle of further demands and escalation. History has shown that appeasement does not always lead to peace; often, it emboldens the aggressor. Zelensky’s position reflects a belief that true peace can only be achieved through respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty, rather than through compromise and retreat.
**Interviewer**: In light of these statements, what should the next steps be for the international community in supporting Ukraine?
**Dr. Kovalenko**: The international community must continue to provide robust support for Ukraine, including military aid, economic assistance, and diplomatic backing. It’s essential for allies to demonstrate a clear commitment to Ukraine’s independence. Furthermore, we should encourage dialogue that respects the borders and rights of nations rather than capitulating to threats and ultimatums.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Dr. Kovalenko, for your insights. It’s clear that the situation remains complex and demands careful consideration from all parties involved.
**Dr. Kovalenko**: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial we keep the dialogue open and continue to support the principles of sovereignty and democracy in our approach to this conflict.