Zelenskyy: Europe will struggle against Russia without Ukraine's capabilities

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asserted that Europe faces significant difficulties in responding to Russia's long-term threats without Ukraine's contributions. He argued that Russia's current military buildup near Europe's borders, even in areas without Soviet-era bases, underscores this vulnerability.

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Given Russia's long-term intentions, the fact that it is now building bases at Europe's doorstep, even in places where there were no military bases in Soviet times, clearly shows that without Ukraine, without our capabilities and our experience, Europe could face enormous difficulties.

"Without Ukraine, without our capabilities and our experience, Europe could face enormous difficulties," Zelenskyy stated during his national address. He echoed sentiments from other leaders, emphasizing a mutual need: "not only Ukraine needs Europe, but Europe also needs Ukraine."

Zelenskyy characterized Russia's challenges as a long-term, anti-European, and anti-democratic strategy. He positioned Ukraine as making the greatest sacrifices among European nations aspiring to EU membership, fighting not only for its sovereignty but also for the freedom and European identity of the Baltic states, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, Moldova, and Caucasian peoples.

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it is true what many leaders say, that not only Ukraine needs Europe, but Europe also needs Ukraine.

"The fate of Europe is being decided in Ukraine, in this war, in how it ends," Zelenskyy declared, linking the outcome to Russia's future capacity to threaten Ukraine, its neighbors, and all of Europe. He stressed the need to end the war with dignity and security guarantees, a topic slated for discussion at upcoming G7, European Council, and NATO summits.

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We are fighting for our state, for our independence and for our right to choose our own path and to be Europe. And this right of ours is, at the same time, the right of all nations in our region. We fight for our freedom and theirs, for Europe for us and for them: for the Baltic states and for Poland, for Hungary and Slovakia, for Romania and Moldova, and for the peoples of the Caucasus.

Looking ahead to EU integration, Zelenskyy announced Ukraine's readiness to open six chapters in accession negotiations this summer. He urged partners to recognize the critical importance of this process, stating that Ukraine will not cause delays.

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The fate of Europe is being decided in Ukraine, in the war, in how it ends, and in whether Russia will still have the strength and desire, after this war, to threaten the existence of Ukraine and its other neighbors, and all of Europe.