Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi warned on Thursday after negotiations with the leaders of the EU member states at the summit in Brussels that any talks about a ceasefire in Ukraine can only take place when it is clear what will follow them.
Zelenskyy said at a press conference that only European security guarantees will not be “enough” for Ukraine, because these guarantees must come from NATO. Which also means the consent of the United States, the strongest of the Alliance’s allies.
The president refused to say whether he was promised any security guarantees at Wednesday’s dinner hosted by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte for the leaders of a select group of European countries, or whether there was talk of the possible deployment of European peacekeeping troops to Ukraine in the event of a peace agreement with Russia.
“There are no such decisions,” he said, clarifying that he could not provide details of this meeting until specific decisions were made. And those, he said, must come from both Europe and the US.
Ukraine needs additional anti-missile systems
Zelenskyy told reporters that any talks on a ceasefire in Ukraine can only take place when it is clear what will follow the conclusion of the ceasefire.
“It is necessary to think about what will happen tomorrow in order to reach a ceasefire today. Otherwise, you will only freeze the conflict,” he explained. In this context, he added that Ukraine wants to end the war, but for a stable peace there must also be a “strong position and security guarantees”. According to his statement, no ceasefire will prevent Russia from further attacks after a few weeks. months or years.
Asked about defense, Zelenskyy said that his country needs at least 19 more anti-missile systems to protect its energy facilities during the coming winter. He confirmed that military shipments from Canada and Germany are underway, while also calling for further assistance in protecting Ukraine’s power grid.
Working with Trump
Journalists also asked him about his emotions regarding the second term of US President Donald Trump. Zelensky responded with a funny retort: ”What do I think? What do I feel? Welcome Donald!” And he added that he really wants Trump to help the Ukrainians “finish this war”.
“I really want to have him on our side. It is very important for me, I want to discuss further details with him,” Zelenskyy said. He also declared that Russian President Vladimir Putin is “dangerous” for the whole world and that he lives “in his own aquarium”.
“I think Putin is very dangerous, he doesn’t care about human lives… I think he’s really crazy. He loves killing,” he said at the end of his speech.
