Zelensky: No European Country Could Defend Itself Against Russia Alone
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told US broadcaster ABC News that European countries cannot individually withstand Russian aggression. He criticised states that keep air defence missiles for themselves instead of passing them to Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said in an interview with the US broadcaster ABC News that no European country could defend itself against Russian aggression on its own. He warns that Europe's security is closely tied to Ukraine's fate: if Ukraine falls, the consequences would be felt across the continent. Russia has been at war with Ukraine for more than three years, and the question of international support for Kyiv remains pressing.
Size of the Russian army
Zelensky noted that Russia's army currently has around two million soldiers. In his words, no European country has an army that strong, and European armed forces are not ready to confront Russia. He is convinced that no state could protect itself by acting alone.
Criticism over retained missiles
The Ukrainian leader criticised countries that are willing to help Ukraine but first want to strengthen their own armed forces and keep air defence missiles for their own needs rather than hand them over to Ukraine. In his view, such an approach will not help if Ukraine falls.
Funding request
In October, Zelensky asked European leaders to provide Ukraine with an additional 70 billion euros for defence needs in 2027. The money is needed so the country can repel Russian aggression. The European Union has promised to consider the request and is currently looking for ways to find funding for extra assistance.
Zelensky also previously answered a question on whether he would be ready to agree to freezing the war if Ukraine kept control over 75% of its territory.
