Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD/BRUSSELS: Hailed as a European hero on his arrival in Brussels for EU summit, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the EU leaders on Thursday to accelerate the promised delivery of modern long-range weapons.
The Ukrainian leader warned that he could return on time from only his second foreign trip since its conflict with Moscow began just under a year ago.
The former actor-turned-military leader urged his allies to translate their “good signals” into “concrete” words as a fresh Russian attack increased pressure on Kyiv’s army in the east.
Zelensky traveled to London and Paris on Wednesday
Zelensky traveled to London and Paris on Wednesday to urge support for contemporary fighter jets and long-range missiles from Germany, Britain, and France. On Thursday, Zelensky traveled to Brussels to speak to EU leaders and the European Parliament.
As he characterized Ukraine as the nation defending Europe’s eastern frontiers and sought a swift welcome into the EU, MEPs showered him with applause and a standing ovation.
“The strongest force against Europe in the modern world is what we defend ourselves from. We Ukrainians fighting alongside you are defending themselves, “Zelensky informed MEPs.
The president of the European Council invited Zelensky to deliver the opening remarks at the regular summit of the 27 heads of government and state of the EU member states immediately following his speech to the legislature.
He thanked them individually, saying, “I have to thank you for your unflinching support of our country and our hopes to live in a united, free Europe.”
However, he also cautioned that Ukraine needs to get its hands on long-range missiles, fighter jets, modern tanks, artillery, and munitions before Russia can plan what he described as a risky new invasion.
Indicators from EU leaders
From EU leaders, he claimed to have seen “good indications concerning the respective weapons” and expressed hope that they would eventually become “concrete voices.”
Zelensky departed the meeting after many hours of discussions to meet with King Philippe of Belgium.
Charles Michel, president of the European Council and host of the summit, argued that it had allowed EU leaders to “make it plain that they are willing to provide further military support.”
He said, “The next weeks and months will probably be decisive.”
Zelensky requested armaments, “especially MiG-29s (fighter jets) to protect your sky and people,” and Slovak Prime Minister Eduard Heger tweeted that he had heard him. He added, “I will work on it.”
However, several EU officials were warier, worried that it may push the West and Russia closer to a confrontation.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte remarked, “There are many sensitive matters to be examined, the advantages and disadvantages.”
Mateusz Morawiecki, the prime minister of Poland, declared that his nation “would not be the first to hand over combatants,” but he welcomed others who did so.
This indicates that the UK, Germany, and France are becoming more involved in the war between Russia and Ukraine.
The distinction between direct and indirect interaction is eroding. It is regrettable, “Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman, stated.
Europe will support Ukraine until it wins, said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron. One leader, though, struck a different chord.
Zelensky joined his colleagues for the group shot, but Viktor Orban, the prime minister of Hungary and the EU official with the closest ties to Putin, did not applaud.
He announced on social media that Hungary would send humanitarian supplies to Kiev but demanded an immediate halt to hostilities rather than a Ukrainian victory. He exclaimed, “Hungary is in the peace camp.
The governor of the Lugansk region in frontline eastern Ukraine warned that Russia was striking Ukrainian soldiers close to the town of Kreminna and “systematically destroying” three neighboring cities.
Moscow says Russian forces were advancing on Bakhmut and Vugledar -two key centers of fighting in the eastern Donetsk region of Ukraine, now the war’s flashpoint.
