Zelenskyy: Ukraine is now, in fact, the second-largest military force within NATO
On June 19, main points from Zelenskyy's press conference:
First, the PURL initiative will raise an additional $1 billion for Patriot missile systems.
We convened a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, during which nine countries confirmed their commitment to provide funding to the Priority Urgent Requirements List (PURL) initiative. This funding will be used to procure Patriot air defense missiles, totaling over $1 billion. All EU member states unanimously agreed to intensify sanctions against Russia, achieving a unified position internally—this is commendable. Incidentally, we have made substantial efforts toward this goal, and our partners have acknowledged them. It has been agreed that F-16 fighter jets will be dispatched to Ukraine, and we must immediately accelerate pilot training.
Putin has no intention of halting hostilities; all his claims about desiring peace are lies. All partners and every European country fully understand this. Yet, we remain firmly convinced that together, we can contain him. The two core principles are: unity and preventing Russian advances.
We urgently need air defense systems and funds for military development. Partners have affirmed this, and all sides will work together on it.
Second, Europe must independently establish a missile defense system.
This is an urgent priority today. Ukraine will never surrender—we will spare no effort to make this happen. This is our proposal, and we will implement it together with our partners. Putin desperately wants Ukraine to be devastated and its people decimated; his reckless actions are clearly visible to all international partners. Nevertheless, Ukraine remains willing to engage in negotiations with him.
But Europe must fully and comprehensively intervene to give us strong negotiating leverage: no exemptions in sanctions; no exceptions in freezing and confiscating Russian assets; and continuous financial assistance to Ukraine.
Third, Putin fears his own troops returning home.
This is precisely why he is deeply afraid of ending the war without victory—and he will never achieve victory. He genuinely dreads his own military. Therefore, if ceasefire is rushed without real guarantees, Russia will certainly restart the conflict, and next time, other countries may be the ones hit.
Fourth, Ukraine is now, in fact, the second-largest military force within NATO.
Ukraine’s strength is not inferior to that of the world’s second-strongest military. For this reason, we should formally join NATO—a fact universally recognized by global leaders. Putin will remain in power at the Kremlin until his death, and his only goal is to rebuild the Soviet Union. Without Ukraine, this goal is unattainable—and this is the root of our difficult situation.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1868436754189324/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.