Zelenski warns Europe would face extreme difficulties without Ukraine's experience fighting Russia
Ukrainian president Volodimir Zelenski said on 13 June that Europe would confront extreme difficulties without Ukraine's capabilities and combat experience, as Russia builds military bases near the continent and pursues a long-term anti-European strategy.
Europe's dependence on Ukraine
President Volodimir Zelenski stated in his evening address on 13 June that the relationship between Europe and Ukraine is one of mutual dependence. Many European leaders acknowledge that not only does Ukraine need Europe, but Europe also needs Ukraine. He warned that without Ukraine's experience in fighting Russian aggression, the continent could face extreme difficulty.
Without Ukraine, without our capabilities and experience, it could be extremely difficult for Europe.
Zelenski stressed that Ukraine is the nation among those joining or aspiring to join the European Union that gives the most for the sake of Europe.
Russia's long-term anti-European strategy
The Ukrainian president argued that Russia's security challenges are not temporary. He said Moscow has chosen a long-term anti-European and anti-democratic strategy and is building military bases near Europe, even in places where none existed during the Soviet period.
Taking into account Russia's long-term intentions (the fact that Russian bases are now being built near Europe, even where there were no military bases in the Soviet period), this shows that without Ukraine, without our capabilities and experience, Europe could face great difficulties.
He insisted that these threats are not a problem for one year or five years but a sustained policy.
Bribery accusations and criticism of Orban
Zelenski accused Moscow of attempting to corrupt European politicians with various benefits, not for peace but to get them to sell their nations' interests and Europe's common interests to Russia. He singled out former Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban as an example of this approach failing.
They try to buy some politicians with various advantages. But not for peace, but so that these politicians simply sell to Russia the interests of their own nations and the common interests of Europe. In the end they will lose, like Orban.
He said many still try to befriend Putin's wallet and close their eyes to reality.
Ukraine's fight for Europe's fate
Zelenski emphasised that Ukraine is not only carrying out internal reforms but fighting for its independence and the right to be part of Europe. He linked Ukraine's struggle to the rights of every nation in the region, listing the Baltic states, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, Moldova and the peoples of the Caucasus.
The fate of Europe is being decided here, in Ukraine, in this war.
He thanked European officials who support Ukraine and its EU integration process, specifically naming European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and European Council president António Costa.
