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Zelensky tells European summit 'peace through strength' is needed now

Ukraine President stressed that his country needed firm support from European leaders, some of whom he criticised for advocating concessions to Russia

Published: Thu 7 Nov 2024, 7:14 PM

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  • Reuters

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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) is greeted by Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban upon his arrival for the European Political Community Summit in Budapest on Thursday. AFP

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) is greeted by Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban upon his arrival for the European Political Community Summit in Budapest on Thursday. AFP

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday called on European leaders to apply an approach of "peace through strength" to confront the threat posed by Russia.

Zelensky's appeal comes a day after Donald Trump won another term in the White House, bringing uncertainty about Washington's future policy after he had criticised the scale of US military and financial support for Kyiv in its war with Russia.

Without going into details, Trump also has vowed to end the war quickly.

Zelensky nevertheless has praised Trump's "commitment to the 'peace through strength' approach in global affairs".

In Thursday's address to the European Political Community summit in Budapest, he echoed that comment.

"The concept of 'peace through strength' has proven its realism and effectiveness more than once. Now, it is needed once more," Zelensky said.

He stressed that his country needed firm support from European leaders, some of whom he criticised for advocating concessions to Russia. It is "unacceptable for Ukraine and suicidal for all Europe", he added.

"And what's next? Should Europe seek the favour of Kim Jong Un in hopes that he, too, will leave Europe in peace?" Zelensky said in apparent reference to North Korean troops deployed by Russia to help in its war effort in Ukraine.

"We need sufficient weapons, not just support in talks. Hugs with Putin won't help," the Ukrainian leader said in an apparent reference to pictures showing United Nations chief Antonio Guterres hugging President Vladimir Putin at a summit in Russia.



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