In a recent interview, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a strong warning about the growing threats from Russia and the potential consequences for Europe and NATO. He predicted that if the United States reduces its support for Ukraine, Russia could target NATO countries next. Specifically, Zelenskyy mentioned that Poland and Lithuania could be at risk of invasion, which would likely lead to a wider conflict involving NATO.
Putin’s Plans and Growing Threats
Zelenskyy shared his concerns during a conversation on NBC’s Meet the Press. The Ukrainian president pointed out that Russia is building up its military forces, and he believes this could be a sign that Russian President Vladimir Putin is planning to move beyond Ukraine. According to Zelenskyy, Putin’s next possible targets are countries that were once under Soviet control, including Poland and Lithuania, which are now part of NATO.
The warning comes as the ongoing war in Ukraine has stretched into another year, with no clear end in sight. Zelenskyy revealed that he has seen intelligence reports showing that Russia is preparing to train 150,000 soldiers in Belarus, a close ally of Russia. These soldiers are being trained under the guise of regular military exercises, but Zelenskyy insists that this is not the full truth. He explained that the first missiles to strike Ukraine came from Belarus, marking the beginning of the invasion in 2022. The Ukrainian leader believes that similar “exercises” could be used as a cover for further attacks on other countries in Europe.
Poroshenko Slammed by Zelensky’s Controversial Sanctions
Zelenskyy also raised the alarming idea that Putin’s goal may be to show the world that these military actions are not really an invasion. Instead, he could present them as just routine exercises that happen frequently. However, Zelenskyy strongly disagreed with this narrative, stating that the invasion of Ukraine itself started with military training exercises that later escalated into a full-scale war.
US Support for Ukraine Remains Crucial
In the same interview, Zelenskyy emphasized how important it is for the United States to keep supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia. He warned that if the US were to pull back from supporting Ukraine, it would weaken NATO as a whole and leave European countries vulnerable to Russian aggression. Zelenskyy expressed disappointment with some recent statements from American leaders, including comments from politicians who have hinted that Ukraine might eventually have to give up parts of its territory to Russia. He stressed that Ukraine’s sovereignty and participation in peace talks are non-negotiable.
While discussing the shifting political landscape in the US, Zelenskyy acknowledged the importance of trust in any peace talks. He mentioned that, despite his concerns, he still believes former President Donald Trump could play a role in negotiations with Russia if he were to return to office. However, Zelenskyy made it clear that any peace deal that leaves Ukraine out of the discussions would be unacceptable. He highlighted that the fate of Ukraine should be decided by Ukrainians, not by foreign powers.
Zelenskyy’s comments underline the pressure on the US and its European allies to maintain a united front in support of Ukraine. He warned that if the US reduces its military presence in Europe or fails to support NATO fully, Russia could take advantage of the situation. This could lead to further destabilization in Europe, starting with smaller countries that were once part of the Soviet Union.
Zelensky Imposes Tough Sanctions on Pro-Russian Influences in Ukraine
Zelenskyy’s concerns about NATO’s security align with the anxieties of European leaders. Recently, some European countries, including Britain, France, and Germany, have voiced their worries that peace in Ukraine cannot be achieved without European involvement in the negotiations. Some leaders have criticized American political figures who have downplayed the importance of European unity and NATO cooperation.
In particular, Zelenskyy expressed dissatisfaction with recent speeches from US politicians questioning the role of NATO and the future of European alliances. He emphasized that Europe’s security depends heavily on the strength of its partnership with the US. If the US were to reduce its commitment to Europe, it could give Russia an opening to act more aggressively. Zelenskyy noted that the risk of Russia invading more European countries is a very real possibility, particularly in areas where Russia still has influence due to its history with the Soviet Union.
For Zelenskyy, the message is clear: NATO’s unity and continued US support are essential to protecting Europe from further Russian expansion. Any weakening of that support, especially from the US, could be a signal for Putin to take further aggressive actions against neighboring countries. Zelenskyy is determined to ensure that Ukraine remains at the center of international discussions, especially as the war with Russia continues to escalate.
