Zelensky's warning that Europe must listen
Volodymyr Zelensky is the president of a country partially occupied by Russia, fighting every day to defend its territory at a high price in human lives. And this nightmare has been going on for more than three years. Therefore, when Zelensky takes the stage at the United Nations, he knows exactly what he's talking about, and his message this morning was crystal clear. "We told you, Ukraine is just the beginning. And now Russian drones are already flying across Europe, and Russian operations are already expanding to other countries. Putin wants to continue this war by expanding it, and no one can feel safe," the Ukrainian leader said. "This 21st century is not so different from the past. If a nation wants peace, it still has to use weapons. It's sickening, but it's the reality," he emphasized.
And this is, indeed, the sad reality of the times we live in. Economic sanctions and international pressure only work in small conflicts where no major power is involved. When it comes to states like Russia or Israel, supported by the United States, things change. Leaders like Vladimir Putin or Benjamin Netanyahu only understand the language of force, primarily military force. Even Donald Trump, who thought he could end both conflicts quickly so he could start doing business in Ukraine and Gaza, now seems disappointed and enraged.
Putin has long been testing Europeans' ability to withstand his constant provocations with airspace violations. But Putin's game is more sophisticated and includes what is called "hybrid warfare," with attempts to interfere in electoral processes and sponsoring pro-Russian parties wherever possible. Now, for example, the Kremlin has its sights set on Moldova, where it fears a pro-European victory.
Zelensky, then, is right that Putin must be stopped now, in Ukraine, while there is still time, because it will be more costly and difficult later, as Russia is rapidly developing new drone technology. And the only way is with weapons and military aid, something Donald Trump seems unwilling to continue doing... or only to cash in as a supplier. This is at least what can be inferred from his speech at the UN, where he warned that, ultimately, the conflict affects Europeans more than Americans, who have the Atlantic between them.
Europe must take decisive steps to integrate its military capabilities and manufacture its own weapons if it does not want to become dependent, as, for example, on countries like the United States and Israel. Spain's difficulties in enforcing the arms embargo on Israel clearly demonstrate this difficulty. Zelensky needs more than fine words. He needs the means and resources to defend his country and avoid a defeat that would leave Europe naked and defenseless against Putin. And this time, he won't be able to call on his American friend.
