Zelensky Demands Strong Guarantees Against Russian Aggression

Zelensky Calls for Robust Security Guarantees

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has outlined a clear vision for Ukraine’s future security, emphasizing the need for strong, multi-faceted guarantees to prevent future Russian aggression. Speaking to attendees, Zelensky stressed that the world must not forget Russia’s sole responsibility for the ongoing war, which has seen continuous attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure since the night of the address.

The President highlighted that Russia has employed various means, including drones and missiles, in its attacks. These strikes have impacted numerous regions across Ukraine, including Kharkiv, the Pavlohrad region, the Dnipropetrovsk region, and Kyiv. Zelensky noted that these attacks occur even as the global community strives to end the war.

Components of Security Guarantees

Zelensky detailed several key components required for reliable security guarantees. These include:

• Military Components: These are crucial for preventing Russia from repeating its aggression. This involves commitments from international partners on how they will help Ukraine defend itself.
• Financial Guarantees: Ensuring that every Ukrainian soldier’s service is supported financially is vital for maintaining morale and operational readiness.
• Weapon Availability: Clear guarantees are needed for the steady supply of weapons. This covers both what Ukraine can produce domestically and what partners can provide.
• Moral Component: Zelensky underscored that a strong moral foundation is essential. This means ensuring the world holds Russia accountable and does not forget the aggressor’s actions.

He acknowledged that progress on these components is not uniform, with some areas moving faster than others. However, the active pursuit of these guarantees aims to make Ukraine’s security truly reliable.

Lessons from Crimea

The President drew a direct line from Russia’s past actions to the current full-scale invasion. He stated that Russia’s initial aggressive step was against Crimea in the 1990s during the Tusla crisis. Russia then prepared the ground to annex Crimea in 2014, marking the beginning of its occupation.

Zelensky criticized the world’s reaction to the 2014 annexation as weak and cynical. He argued that this lack of a strong response emboldened Russia, leading it to believe it could act with impunity. The President warned that if an aggressor feels they can get away with their actions, the war will inevitably spread further.

The war unfortunately always goes further if the aggressor has a feeling that they can forgive him everything and can give him something.

Ukraine’s current fight, he explained, is fundamentally aimed at ensuring the aggressor receives no reward for waging war. This includes holding Russia responsible for all its aggression and ensuring that its crimes against the Ukrainian people, state, and sovereignty do not go unpunished.

The Fundamental Importance of Crimea

Zelensky reiterated that the question of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and its land, including Crimea, is absolutely fundamental. He stated that Ukraine will end the war with a just peace, free from new Russian aggressions, missiles, and occupiers.

He emphasized that Russia must not be allowed to claim any part of another country as its own. The aggressor should not become stronger by seizing the land of another people. Furthermore, Russia should not be permitted to blackmail Ukraine or any other European country with missiles or terror.

The President specifically addressed the rights of the Crimean Tatar people, who are indigenous to Ukraine. He stated that they must not be deprived of their home. Allowing Russia to take away the home of some people, he warned, will lead it to take away from others, as has been its historical pattern.

Call to Action and Legal Recognition

Zelensky urged attendees to continue fighting for these principles and to be active and vocal. He wants to ensure that all partners, even those hesitant, hear Ukraine’s demands for principled security. He expressed gratitude for everyone fighting for Ukraine’s independence, rights, and territorial integrity, and for remembering those held captive by Russia.

A significant decree was signed, granting Ukrainians more real opportunities to defend their entire state, including Crimea. Zelensky also highlighted the historical role of the Mejlis, the representative body of the Crimean Tatar people. He announced that its status is being legally and politically enshrined to strengthen its capabilities and, by extension, Ukraine’s common capabilities.

The President concluded by stating that putting an end to Russian aggression, strikes, and bullying requires collective effort. He believes that by remaining effective, active, and learning from past mistakes, Ukraine’s security, along with that of Europe and the world, can be fundamentally guaranteed.

Source: 😱NO ONE expected this from Zelensky! It happened right before everyone's eyes. Hall fell silent (YouTube)