President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskiy, in an address to the European leaders gathered at a meeting in Budapest, warned today that any concession regarding Ukraine given to Russian President Vladimir Putin would be unacceptable for Kiev and suicidal for Europe.
"Some of you gathered here recommended Ukraine to make concessions to Putin. This is unacceptable for Ukraine and unacceptable for the whole of Europe," said Zelensky, whose country will soon complete its third year of fighting against Russia.
He spoke at the summit of the European political community, which is attended by the highest officials of the European Union and the leaders of 47 European countries.
"One should not imagine that showing weakness or sacrificing some European attitudes or the attitude of a European country can buy peace," Zelenski said in a speech that was seen by the French Press agency.
He warned the Europeans against any easing of pressure on the Russian president.
"Hugs with Putin will serve no purpose. Some of you have been hugging him for 20 years, and things are only getting worse. He only thinks of wars and will not change. Only pressure can impose restrictions on him," said Zelensky.
The Ukrainian army, which has been retreating for months in the face of more numerous and better-armed Russian forces, needs enough weapons, not support in talks with Moscow, Zelensky said.
He said this the day after Republican Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential elections, and he promised to end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours.
Trump's return to the White House is causing fears in Ukraine and among Europeans that America intends to reduce its involvement in the coming months, which could have disastrous consequences for Kiev, writes France Press.
Today in Budapest, Zelenski emphasized that the ties between the USA and Europe should not be lost, but should be strengthened after Trump's victory.
"We hope that America will become stronger. Europe needs such an America. And a strong Europe is what America needs. That bond between allies should be strengthened and not lost," said Zelenski in his address at the European summit.
He also assessed that North Korea is "now at war in Europe" in reference to the supposed arrival of thousands of North Korean soldiers in Russia, which was condemned by Kiev, Seoul and the West.
"North Korean soldiers are trying to kill our people on European soil," Zelensky said.
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