We need weapons — Zelenskyy's speech at the summit in Hungary
On November 7, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke at the European Political Community Summit in Budapest, Hungary. He emphasized that Ukraine needs enough weapons, not support in negotiations.
His speech was published on the website of the Office of the President.
Zelensky's speech at the summit in Hungary
"I addressed the summit of the European political community taking place in Budapest to emphasize that the concept of "peace through strength" has repeatedly proved its realism and effectiveness. Now it is needed once more," the President said.
During his speech, he said that on November 6, he spoke with the newly elected US President Donald Trump. According to him, it was a productive conversation. At the same time, Zelenskyy added that Ukraine cannot know what specific actions will be taken, but the government hopes that America will become stronger.
"There are many challenges. Since our last meeting in this format, Russia’s war has escalated significantly. And it was Russia that caused this escalation. North Korea is now, in effect, waging war in Europe. North Korean soldiers are attempting to kill our people on European soil," the Head of State emphasized.
According to him, since the July summit of the European Political Community in Britain, there has been a lot of talk about the need to give in to Putin, to step back, to make some "concessions". And some of those present here strongly advocated that Ukraine should make "concessions" to Putin, but this is unacceptable and unacceptable, because he will not stop there.
Zelenskyy is convinced that no strong leader who helped build a united, strong, and peaceful Europe could have even imagined such a thing. But the concept of "peace through strength" has repeatedly proved its realism and effectiveness. Now it is needed again.
"And there should be no illusion that by showing weakness or selling out some European positions or any European country’s standing, one can buy just peace. It simply doesn’t work that way. Peace is the reward only for those strong. Thus, there is no alternative to a strong Europe. And unity is essential for strength," the Ukrainian leader emphasized.
He also thanked all partners for their support and emphasized that Ukraine needs enough weapons, not support in negotiations, as "hugs with Putin won't help".
"Some of you have been hugging him for 20 years, and things are only getting worse. He thinks only about wars and will not change. Only pressure can put limits on him," Zelensky summarized.
On November 7, Zelenskyy arrived in Hungary for the first time since the war to take part in the summit of the European Political Community.
On his way to Budapest, he spoke at the Kyiv International Economic Forum and outlined the details of the Ukraine Strengthening Plan.