Zelensky addresses media following Brussels meetings: key takeaways

President Volodymyr Zelensky is currently in Brussels for an official visit that began on December 18. Following several meetings, the president spoke to the media.

Radio Svoboda writes about this.

Main points of Zelensky's remarks

• On peacekeeping troops:

"We support the idea of ​​strengthening Ukraine. I perceive positively that Emmanuel [Macron – ed.] has already contacted some leaders. I do not want to give details yet because we are in the process. I see that some leaders have already responded positively to this. This is a difficult process; you understand what the risks are."

• Regarding the discussion of common positions of Ukraine and European countries in communicating with the future US administration:

"It is essential that the United States of America and Europe act together and be united around Ukraine. We cannot lose anyone. We cannot lose the European Union. We have no right to lose the support of the United States of America. We simply have no right to allow Putin to win this war."

• On Ukraine's strong negotiating position:

"The document [the Victory Plan – ed.] has everything, all the details that we believe will strengthen us. And a corresponding package that can reduce the potential production of one or another weapon on the territory of the Russian Federation. Plus, security guarantees. We understand that NATO is the strongest security guarantee. There is our desire for an invitation.

Strengthening our army, strengthening our economy. As for the economy, it seems to me that the partners have taken important steps regarding 50 billion. We also received 20 billion from the United States of America from the World Bank. We are financially secure for next year. I believe that this also strengthens Ukraine. But not everything has been done to say that Ukraine is strong for certain diplomatic steps."

• Regarding the expectation of an invitation to NATO:

"We do not expect anything from anyone; we are fighting for this right. Each such decision is a challenging part of the history of our state. And therefore, we cannot expect anything. We can move, do our best to make it work for us".

• Regarding guarantees of non-aggression by Russia in the future from partner countries:

"We have guarantees in the form of sanctions, financial guarantees, and weapons packages. This is not enough to guarantee that Putin will not come again. Therefore, the best thing is a strong army, a large army, the largest army in Europe. We simply have no right to limit the strength of our army in any case".

• Regarding Keith Kellogg's statements about Ukraine and Russia's readiness to negotiate and expectations from his visit in January, "We are waiting for Mr. Kellogg. I have not heard his interview yet."

The day before, the special representative of the newly elected US President Donald Trump, Keith Kellogg, stated that Ukraine and Russia are ready for peace talks due to significant losses on the front on both sides and exhaustion.

He noted that the current situation is characterized by a war of attrition, where the ratio of losses between Ukraine and Russia is approximately 1 to 5.

For reference:

Rubryka reported that Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Brussels on December 18. He plans to meet with the leaders and prime ministers of seven countries.

He will participate in the first meeting of the European Council after its president is appointed.

During his visit, Zelensky is also scheduled to meet with the leaders and heads of government of France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, Poland, and the Czech Republic. The head of the Ukrainian state will also hold talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, President of the European Council Antonio Costa, and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

Ahead of talks in Brussels on Wednesday, December 18, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said they would focus on strengthening Ukraine's position and the economy. Air defense supplies will also be among the topics of discussion.