Zelensky: ‘Putin’s Real Enemy Is the Rules-Based Order’ – Key Takeaways From Brussels
Speaking to the European Council in Brussels on Oct. 16, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russian President Vladimir Putin opposes the rules-based international order and sees the EU’s unity and independent countries as targets. He warned that a Russian victory would undermine the foundations of peace in Europe. Zelensky also called for stronger support for Ukraine, including defense funding,…
President Volodymyr Zelensky warned European leaders at the European Council meeting in Brussels on Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin's real enemy is the rules-based international order. Zelensky urged the EU to stand together against Moscow's aggression, emphasizing that Putin opposes European unity and independent states as they obstruct his ability to wage war without consequences. He argued that if Putin succeeds, the peace and stability that hold Europe together would be lost.
Zelensky recalled Russia's past wars, including its conflict with Chechnya, which he said taught Putin that oil and gas could be used to manipulate the world and divert attention from destruction. He urged the EU not to ease sanctions, warning that Russia exploits every chance to regain revenue and fund its war.
The Ukrainian president estimated that the war would cost Ukraine €155 billion in 2027 and requested at least €70 billion more from European partners for defense, weapons, and resilience. He suggested that Ukraine could produce two or three times more drones if adequately funded. Zelensky also called for the delivery of 300 Patriot interceptors to defend Ukraine against ballistic missiles and advocated for a robust 22nd EU sanctions package targeting individuals and companies involved in Russia's missile, communications, and drone industries.
Zelensky highlighted the importance of protecting frozen Russian assets so they can support Ukraine and warned that Putin could regain control of the funds and use them to finance the conflict. He emphasized that Ukraine's army and military technologies contribute to Europe's security, arguing that the continent cannot build security guarantees without Ukraine's experience and capabilities.
Moreover, Zelensky warned that Putin is constructing a Russia akin to North Korea, where children are raised from a young age to fight and die for their leader. He stressed that separating Ukraine and Moldova in their paths toward EU membership would be morally wrong, as both nations should advance together. Four EU accession clusters have been established for Ukraine this year, with two more remaining.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
