'Stopping Putin now is cheaper': Zelenskyy urges world to pressure Russia together
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: Getty Images)
Stopping Russian President Vladimir Putin and his aggression against Ukraine and other countries is cheaper now. The world must act together to force Russia into peace, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated during his address at the UN General Assembly's general debate.
According to him, stopping the war and the arms race is cheaper than building underground kindergartens or massive bunkers hiding critical infrastructure there.
"Stopping Putin now is cheaper than trying to protect every port and every ship from terrorists with sea drones. So we must use everything we have – together – to force the aggressor to stop. And only then do we have a real chance that this arms race won't end in catastrophe for all of us," Zelenskyy noted.
He emphasized that if weapons and pressure on Russia are needed, this must be done now; otherwise, Putin will continue the war, expanding it.
"And we told you before – Ukraine is only the first. And now, Russian drones are already flying across Europe. And Russian operations are already spreading across countries. Putin wants to continue this war by expanding it. And no one can feel safe right now," the president added.
Sanctions against Russia
On Friday, September 19, the European Commission presented the 19th package of anti-Russian sanctions. The new sanctions were announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who stated that they are already dealing a heavy blow to the Russian economy.
Also recently, at a meeting of the UN Security Council, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the patience of US President Donald Trump is not unlimited, and he has the ability and options to impose sanctions against Russia if it does not end the war.
In addition, he emphasized that the US president has the necessary authority to sell defensive and offensive weapons to Ukraine, enabling it to defend itself.
Moreover, Trump himself recently said that his patience is running out and the United States may hit Russia hard with sanctions. According to him, Russian oil and banks may be targeted.
At the same time, Trump recently set a condition for imposing sanctions. He said that he was ready for new measures, but only if NATO member states stopped buying Russian oil.
