It is still unclear what specific steps the winner of the U.S. presidential race, Donald Trump, will take.
This was mentioned by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his speech at the summit of the European Political Community.
"Yesterday, I spoke with President Trump, just like many of you did. It was a good, productive conversation. Of course, we cannot yet know what his concrete actions will be. But we hope that America will grow stronger. Such an America is what Europe needs. And a strong Europe is what America needs. This is the bond between allies that should be cherished and must not be lost," Zelensky noted.
The head of state emphasized that there are many challenges ahead for everyone.
"Since our last meeting in this format, there has been a significant escalation of the Russian war. And it is Russia that has caused this escalation. North Korea is currently, in essence, waging war in Europe. North Korean soldiers are trying to kill our people on European soil," Zelensky said.
In particular, as the Ukrainian president reminded, since the July summit of the European Political Community, which took place in the United Kingdom, there have been many discussions about the need to yield to the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, to retreat, and to make some "concessions."
"And some of those present here were adamantly in favor of Ukraine making 'concessions' to Putin. This is unacceptable for Ukraine and suicidal for all of Europe. But what comes next? Should Europe seek the favor of Kim Jong-un in the hope that he will also grant Europe peace? No strong leader, who contributed to building a united, strong, and peaceful Europe, could even imagine such a thing. But the concept of 'peace through strength' has proven its realism and effectiveness more than once. It is needed again now," Zelensky emphasized.
The head of state pointed out that there should be no illusions because demonstrating weakness or trading off some European positions or the status of a European country cannot buy a just peace. "It simply does not work that way. Peace is a reward only for the strong. Therefore, there is no alternative to a strong Europe. And for strength, unity is essential," the president noted.
He added that Russia did not start the war because it needed more territory.
"Russia has more land than anyone else. It sought global power, first control over Ukraine, and then over all of you, as it once was under Soviet or imperial rule. Budapest remembers what Soviet tanks look like. Ukrainian cities will not forget Russian bombs. And just as Budapest, every city in Ukraine and all our countries deserve safety and peace," Zelensky emphasized.
He also thanked everyone for their support of Ukraine and our people.
"We are defending ourselves not from Russian words, but from Russian attacks. Therefore, we need a sufficient amount of weapons, not support in negotiations. Embraces with Putin will not help. Some of you have been hugging him for 20 years, and things are only getting worse. He thinks only of wars and will not change. Only pressure can contain him," Zelensky noted.
According to him, joint efforts have succeeded in building a clear diplomatic system capable of pushing Russia towards a just peace. Most of the countries represented at today's summit have joined this effort for effective diplomacy. In particular, at thematic conferences, every point of the Peace Formula has already been discussed, including issues related to nuclear security, food security, energy, the return of prisoners and deported persons to Ukraine, and full compliance with international law, among many others.
"We need to push Russia towards this. And a just peace will be our common victory. The plan for victory is on your table. That is why Ukraine was the first to propose changing our joint strategy to achieve – as quickly as possible – a just peace," Zelensky said.
Moreover, he emphasized that this war is taking place on Ukrainian soil.
"Ukraine is grateful for all the support from our partners; we are open to any constructive ideas for achieving a just peace for our country. But it is Ukraine that must decide what should and should not be on the agenda to end this war," the head of state stated.
More about Zelensky's conversation with Trump
As reported by UNIAN, earlier Zelensky congratulated Republican candidate Donald Trump during a phone call on his historic and convincing victory in the U.S. presidential elections.