Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged European leaders on Thursday to stand firm against Russia’s aggression, warning that any concessions to Russian President Vladimir Putin would undermine European security and embolden Moscow’s ambitions.
Addressing leaders at a summit of the European Political Community in Hungary, Zelensky cautioned that yielding to Kremlin demands would be “suicidal” for Europe. “Hugs with Putin” and softening on Ukraine, he said, would not secure lasting peace but rather fuel further aggression from Moscow.
Zelensky’s appeal comes amid shifting dynamics following Donald Trump’s re-election as U.S. president, which has raised questions about continued American support for Ukraine. Trump has openly questioned the level of military and financial aid the U.S. should provide Kyiv, leaving Europe uncertain about future allied support in the face of Russia’s continued invasion.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a Trump ally who has voiced support for Trump’s return, hosted the one-day summit, which gathered around 50 European leaders. Discussions focused on fortifying European relations with the U.S. amid new geopolitical challenges, as well as countering the mounting security threats posed by Russia.
While Zelensky refrained from naming specific leaders, he accused some European officials of pressuring Ukraine to make “concessions to Putin,” which Kyiv views as perilous. “There has been much talk about the need to yield to Putin, to back down, to make some concessions … It’s unacceptable for Ukraine and suicidal for all Europe,” he stated.
Europe’s position is further complicated by internal challenges, with Germany’s coalition government recently collapsing and France facing political divisions. Against this backdrop, Zelensky underscored the importance of unity with the U.S., declaring, “A strong Europe is what America needs. This connection between allies must be valued and cannot be lost.”
