Camilla Jessen
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a stark warning.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the war with Russia could reach NATO’s doorstep by 2030 if Ukraine doesn’t keep getting international support.
Speaking to Sky News on June 24, Zelenskyy warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin is using the war in Ukraine to buy time and could rebuild his army for bigger attacks in the future.
“Right now, Ukraine is stopping him — he doesn’t have time to train his army,” Zelenskyy said. But if the world slows down support, he added, Russia could regroup and become much stronger in a few years.
Zelenskyy said Putin isn’t interested in peace. Instead, he wants a pause in fighting to ease Western sanctions and prepare for a new round of attacks.
“Putin needs time, fewer sanctions, and a trained army,” he said.
He also expressed concern that ongoing problems in the Middle East might distract Western countries and reduce aid to Ukraine.
If that happens, “Russia will feel stronger on the battlefield,” he said.
Zelenskyy warned that while Russia might not be ready to attack NATO right now, it could happen in the next few years if the Kremlin sees a chance.
When asked about the United States, Zelenskyy said he doesn’t believe Russia and America can ever be true partners, even if Donald Trump returns to the White House.
“They will never be friends,” he said.
Zelenskyy admitted he may not be the perfect leader, but added, “I’m the most experienced.”
His comments came shortly after a deadly Russian drone strike killed three people in Ukraine’s Sumy region, including an 8-year-old boy.