Zelenskyy criticises Europe for "living in a bubble": if Ukraine falls, Putin will push further

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Russian leader Vladimir Putin "does not fear Europeans" and warned that if Ukraine falls, the war will inevitably spill over into European Union countries.

Source: Zelenskyy in an interview with French broadcaster France 2

Quote: "Putin does not fear Europeans. They are our partners, they have helped us a lot, but he does not fear them. Why? Because Europeans live in a wonderful, safe world that they built themselves… Life in Europe is comfortable, pleasant. Europeans seem unable to believe that this [war] could happen in their own countries.

But today it is clear: if Ukraine does not stop Putin, he will invade Europe. Ukraine's neighbouring countries understand that they would be the first victims and that Russia will push further. Russian drones can operate over long distances, their missiles have unlimited range. They will launch strikes everywhere."

Details: Zelenskyy emphasised that the "pure democracy" Europeans are used to cannot defeat Putin, because he does not follow any rules of war.

The president also criticised the stance of some European countries that treat the war in Ukraine as "someone else's problem". He said that when leaders refuse to increase military spending due to rising electricity costs or domestic issues, they simply "do not want to face the full risks" that exist today.

Zelenskyy stressed that countries recognising the threat are helping Ukraine, while others are trying to shield themselves from reality.

He believes Putin fears only US President Donald Trump, who possesses real leverage through economic pressure and weapons.

Quote: "Putin only fears Trump. That is the reality. President Trump knows he has tools of pressure through the economy, sanctions and weapons. Weapons he can supply to us if he does not want to engage the US military directly. He can maintain pressure on Putin through our armed forces, it is all possible."

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