Zelenskyy: If Pressure on Russia Were Increased Two to Three Times, the Situation Would Be Drastically Different

Excerpt from Zelenskyy’s remarks at the European Council meeting on October 16:

Thank you all for your support of Ukraine. Thank you. Over the years of full-scale war, we have traveled a long and difficult road together.

None of us wanted this war—absolutely no one. But now, it is up to us to confront its brutality and the full extent of its consequences.

A united front is always built upon the collective stand of countless individuals. Had the EU not acted decisively and possessed the capacity to make strong decisions, Putin would already have advanced further.

The EU has not fractured. On the defense of the European way of life, it has shown no retreat, no submission to fear. This steadfastness carries significance equal to the courage demonstrated by Ukrainians.

I thank everyone who has worked to preserve transatlantic unity.

The United States hosts many people of goodwill who genuinely wish to see evil defeated and Ukraine endure. It was precisely such sincere hearts that once safeguarded Europe’s freedom; it was such people who fought fiercely during the D-Day landings and secured victory in the Cold War, and who still sincerely hope for a better future for Europe. They wish to be allies, not sources of division or disdain toward Europe. I believe the majority of Americans continue to hold this view. Ultimately, the American people will make their own choices.

Only if the United States substantially increases pressure on Putin—and sends a clear message—will Putin heed U.S. demands: choose peace, or lose access to funding that sustains his war effort.

We have previously warned: any relaxation of sanctions anywhere in Europe will quickly be exploited by others. We have already seen such developments unfold. The current diesel agreement will allow funds to flow back into Russia.

This “diesel deal” is insufficient to offset the global market disruption caused by tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Yet it will directly provide Putin with additional financial resources to sustain the war.

We call for the EU to adopt a robust new round of sanctions—round 22.

At the same time, we urge all parties to impose tangible sanctions on every entity and individual involved in the production of Russian ballistic missiles, modern communication systems, and drones, as well as those operating within Russia’s financial system.

Next year’s war expenditures will reach 155 billion euros. We require an additional 70 billion euros from you—specifically for defense, arms procurement, and maintaining our national resilience. This is a realistic figure. I appeal to you to deliver this support. These funds will help contain Russia.

Several straightforward facts remain: it is drones that have enabled us to repel most of Russia’s frontline offensives. Through this technology, we have disrupted Russian supply lines. Our drones also contribute to weakening the Russian economy.

Currently, we could double—or even triple—the production capacity of drones, depending on model. But we lack the necessary funding. This is factual. Consider what might happen if pressure on Russia were intensified two to three times beyond current levels.

We believe this war must end as soon as possible. Yet Putin’s strategy is to prolong it far beyond its natural duration. He is transforming Russia into a state resembling North Korea: children are indoctrinated from an early age with militaristic ideology, trained to sacrifice themselves for the leader. As such, Russia will not relinquish its threat posture.

It is precisely Ukraine’s strength, our military, and our technological capabilities that also protect European security—your security. In our assessment, the current draft of the EU budget post-2028 does not adequately reflect this dimension of strategic protection.

Let us treat this matter seriously. We must clearly define how Ukraine’s defense capabilities should be integrated into future budget planning.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1879217429733388/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.