President Zelenskyy: “Peace through strength” has proven its effectiveness

“Russia started this war not because it needed more territory. Of course not. Russia has more land than anyone. They wanted global power, starting with control over Ukraine and then over all of you,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in address at the European Political Community Summit on Nov. 7.

Prime Minister Orban!

President Michel!

Dear Leaders!

I am glad for this opportunity to meet and work together for Europe and for our nations.

Yesterday, I spoke with President Trump, as many of you did. It was a productive conversation, a good conversation. Of course, we cannot yet know what his actions will be. But we do hope that America will become stronger. This is the kind of America that Europe needs. And a strong Europe is what America needs, to my mind. This is the connection between allies that must be valued and cannot be lost.

There are many challenges. Since our last meeting in this format, Russia’s war has escalated significantly. And it was Russia that caused this escalation. North Korea is now, in effect, waging war in Europe. North Korean soldiers are attempting to kill our people on European soil.

Since the European Political Community Summit in the UK in July, there has been much talk about the need to yield to Putin, to back down, to make some “concessions.” And really, even from Europe, some leaders were strongly advocating Ukraine making “concessions” to Putin. It’s unacceptable for Ukraine and unacceptable for all Europe. And what’s next? Should Europe seek the favor of Kim Jong Un in hopes that he, too, will leave Europe in peace? No strong leader who helped build a united, strong, and peaceful Europe would even imagine doing this. But the concept of “peace through strength” has proven its realism and effectiveness more than once. Now, it is needed once more.

And there should be no illusion that by showing weakness or selling out some European positions or any European country’s standing, one can buy just peace. It simply doesn’t work that way. Peace is the reward only for those strong. Thus, there is no alternative to a strong Europe. And unity is essential, of course, for strength.

Full text of the address: Office of the President of Ukraine