Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has cautioned that Moscow’s aggression will not remain confined to Ukraine, warning that Russia is preparing to extend its war deeper into Europe if not stopped.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Zelensky accused the Kremlin of actively destabilising neighbouring states while testing the resolve of NATO and the European Union. He said intelligence reports suggested that Russia is reinforcing its military build-up along several borders, and called for stronger Western unity to deter further escalation.
“Ukraine today is the frontline, but tomorrow it could be Poland, the Baltics, or any other part of Europe,” Zelensky warned. “Putin is counting on fatigue in the West. If we hesitate now, we hand him the initiative to expand the battlefield.”
Zelensky stressed that Moscow’s ambitions stretch far beyond territorial gains in Ukraine, describing them as an attempt to dismantle Europe’s security architecture. He pointed to recent cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and covert operations in Central and Eastern Europe as evidence of Russia’s broader strategy.
The Ukrainian leader also urged immediate military and financial assistance from Western partners, noting that delays in aid had already emboldened Russian advances on the ground. “Every day of hesitation costs lives. The price of inaction will not be paid by Ukraine alone — it will be paid by all of Europe,” he added.
NATO officials have recently echoed concerns about Russia’s long-term ambitions, with several member states reinforcing border defences and boosting defence spending. However, divisions remain within the EU over the scale and speed of further military support to Kyiv.
Zelensky concluded by reminding allies that Ukraine’s resistance was a safeguard for Europe as a whole: “Stopping Russia in Ukraine is not charity. It is the most important investment in peace and stability for the entire continent.”
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