Putin wants a weakened, fragmented Europe – Zelenskyy
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Russian President Vladimir Putin still plans to increase pressure on Ukraine and European countries, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during his address to the European Council.
"It is Putin's dream to see a fragmented Europe, where fringe voices gain influence and push for division instead of unity. That is why Russia supports anyone trying to weaken Europe from within, no matter how extreme they are," Zelenskyy said. "Most of you clearly see this threat and are standing up to it."
He believes that, as a result, Europe is now much stronger than it was five years ago.
"The world is clearly unstable. But the EU remains a strong global force that can – and does – defend European values and interests. It also plays a key role in ensuring that the war waged by Russia does not spread further and in advancing peace. Without Europe, this would be impossible," the president stated.
He reminded that Ukraine is ready for a just peace and a ceasefire.
"It is Russia that blocks everything. And that is why the pressure must increase," he emphasized.
Yesterday, President Zelenskyy and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset signed an agreement to establish a Special Tribunal for the crime of Aggression against Ukraine. This happened on June 25.
According to Zelenskyy, all war criminals must be brought to justice, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.
