(DCWatchdog.com) – In a recent interview, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a stark warning about an “animal” who preys on perceived weakness.
Zelenskyy emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s continued aggressions, if left unchecked, would pose a significant threat not just to Ukraine, but to the broader principles of freedom and democracy in Europe and NATO countries.
“Putin feels weakness like an animal because he is an animal,” Zelenskyy stated, highlighting Putin’s instinctual response to perceived vulnerabilities. He warned that appeasing or failing to confront Putin’s aggression would lead to dire consequences: “He senses blood, he senses his strength. And he will eat you for dinner with all your EU, NATO, freedom, and democracy.”
Zelenskyy argued that supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia is essentially an act of self-preservation for Europe. He cautioned that Russia’s disregard for Ukrainian rights could extend to violations worldwide. “You save your children, not ours,” he pointed out, suggesting that if Ukraine falls, Putin’s next targets could be other nations’ youth.
Nearly two years into the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022, Zelenskyy observed a weariness among global supporters, with funding becoming increasingly contentious in Europe and the United States. Despite these challenges, ongoing discussions in the U.S. Senate, led by Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., aim to reach a bipartisan deal on aid for Ukraine and U.S. border security.
The deadlock in the U.S. over a $106 billion national security supplemental spending package, which includes aid for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and the southern U.S. border, has been a point of contention. Republicans have demanded changes to U.S. border security policy in exchange for supporting the package.
Acknowledging the challenges of the past year, Zelenskyy admitted that Ukraine’s progress might not have met global expectations in speed or success. However, he firmly rejected any notion that Putin is winning the war, citing significant Russian casualties and the inability of Russian forces to capture any major Ukrainian city in 2023.
Zelenskyy also highlighted Ukraine’s strategic successes, such as breaking the Russian blockade of the Black Sea and opening a new grain shipping route along the southern coast. He urged European countries to continue lobbying the U.S. for support, citing intelligence reports of potential Russian attacks on European territories.
Regarding peace prospects, Zelenskyy saw no significant forward movement from Russia, characterizing the country’s actions as those of a “terrorist country.” He dismissed reports of Russia seeking a pause in the war as a strategic move to replenish its military resources.
Zelenskyy remained cautious about divulging Ukraine’s military plans for 2024, noting past leaks that aided Russian responses. However, he emphasized the strategic importance of isolating Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014. He expressed interest in acquiring the Taurus, a German-made long-range stealth cruise missile, which could be pivotal in cutting off the Crimean peninsula from Russia and reducing attacks from the region.
