Ukraine shifts defense priorities from jets to drones amid evolving war - Zelenskyy
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Just yesterday, there was a battle over aviation. However, today, thanks to technological advances, the choice arises of where it is more important to invest money, says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a conversation with journalists on June 13.
"We were still fighting for aviation yesterday. Today, the question is: what is more important for us now, aviation or money for drones? Tomorrow, this will also pass, and something new will be found," the Ukrainian President said, using an analogy while answering a question.
Zelenskyy was specifically asked if Europe understands that the US and China want to break up the European Union. However, the president does not believe the United States "needs to kill" the EU.
He noted that he agrees there are forces that want this. But that does not mean it will happen. Zelenskyy emphasized that the most attractive market remains the European one.
"Imagine you are the US. Besides sharing similar values with the European Union, the European market, technologies, and people who are not poor or potential migrants, old Europe with old money and industries. Perhaps not with technologies as advanced as those in modern America, but with its own strong points. Why give up this market?" the president said.
He also asked to imagine what the EU would be like without Germany, or France, or Northern Europe.
"I think the European Union is strong because of this. There are various bureaucracies, rules, and difficulties, all attempting to impose a single style on everyone. That exists. But why does America need 30 countries to negotiate with when it can have relations with the European Union?" the Ukrainian President added.
Returning to the point about aviation and drones, the president said some in the US believe that with right-wing leaders in Europe, it is possible to influence the EU and gain benefits.
However, Zelenskyy stressed that when COVID-19 or war strikes, new priorities emerge and benefits disappear.
"So, what some circles in America think about the EU's strength — that thanks to radical, right-wing leaders, it is possible to influence the European Union's strength for some benefits... These are benefits. Then COVID-19 or war or something else comes, and all these benefits disappear, and new priorities emerge," the Ukrainian leader concluded.
As a reminder, a few weeks ago, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine is ready to start talks on EU accession.
On May 21, the president held a series of international negotiations. They focused on support for Ukraine and its accession to the European Union.
