Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a dire warning to Europe, declaring that without Ukraine’s defense, the continent would be defenseless against the might of the Russian military. His bold statement comes as geopolitical tensions escalate, raising questions about Europe’s preparedness and the West’s understanding of Russia’s expansionist ambitions.
“Europe Can’t Cope Without Us”
Speaking to Polish media outlet Onet, Zelenskyy made a sobering declaration: “Europe without the Ukrainian army will not cope with the Russian army.” He stressed that Ukraine’s victory is not only critical for its sovereignty but also for the safety of the entire European continent.
Zelenskyy highlighted the stark imbalance between Russia’s resources and Europe’s defensive capabilities. “Russia has more weapons, more people, and is [crueller] than the Europeans,” he explained.
“Without the Ukrainian army, Europe unfortunately has no chance against Russia today. Putin knows this and talks about it in his circle,” Zelenskyy added, pointing to the Kremlin’s long-standing ambitions. He warned that if Ukraine falls, “Putin will quickly move on.”
The High Cost of War
The human toll of Russia’s invasion, which began in February 2022, is staggering. Official figures revealed last month show 43,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed and 370,000 wounded in defense of their nation. In comparison, Russia has reportedly suffered 600,000 dead and wounded, underscoring the brutal scale of the conflict.
Despite these losses, Ukraine maintains an army of nearly one million troops, the largest in Europe outside of Russia. Zelenskyy argued that this formidable force is Europe’s shield against Moscow’s ambitions, a role he believes some Western allies fail to fully appreciate.
West Underestimates Putin’s Plans
Zelenskyy expressed frustration with Western reluctance to grasp the gravity of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intentions. He praised nations like Poland, Romania, and the Baltic states for recognizing the Kremlin’s ambitions early on, but criticized other Western allies for lagging in their support.
“They [the West] do not want to recognize one truth about the Russians: They will go further. Period,” Zelenskyy said. He called on Europe and the U.S. to fortify Ukraine and increase their own military production, arguing that delaying such action only emboldens Moscow.
A Warning for the U.S. and the World
Zelenskyy’s comments come at a critical juncture as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office. During his campaign, Trump threatened to reduce aid to Ukraine and suggested ending the war through negotiations with Moscow—an idea Kyiv has fiercely opposed, particularly if it involves ceding territory to Russia.
Zelenskyy’s message is clear: “If you know for sure that the Russians will go further … Why not strengthen Ukraine as much as possible?”
This is not just Ukraine’s fight—it is Europe’s and, arguably, the world’s. Zelenskyy’s urgent plea underscores the stakes of the conflict and the catastrophic consequences of underestimating Russia’s ambitions.
