VILNIUS: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday warned that any delays in Western aid to Kyiv would embolden the Kremlin as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approaches its two-year mark.
During a surprise visit to Lithuania, one of Kyiv’s staunchest allies, Zelensky addressed concerns about the ongoing conflict.
At a news conference alongside Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, Zelensky expressed his concern about potential hesitations in financial and military aid to Ukraine, emphasizing that such uncertainties could strengthen Russia’s resolve.
“He (Russian President Vladimir Putin) is not going to stop,” Zelensky said. “He wants to occupy us completely. And sometimes, the insecurity of partners regarding financial and military aid to Ukraine only increases Russia’s courage and strength.”
With some Western nations reconsidering their support for Ukraine, Zelensky emphasized the urgency of standing together against Putin’s aggression. He warned that Putin’s ambitions extended beyond Ukraine and stressed the need for collective action to prevent further aggression against neighboring countries.
“He (Putin) won’t finish this (war), until we all finish him together,” Zelensky declared. “We must understand that Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Moldova may be next if we (Ukraine) do not withstand (Russia).”
Zelensky’s comments come amid renewed aerial assaults from Russia, prompting appeals for increased support to Kyiv, particularly in the realm of modern air defense systems.
“In recent days, Russia hit Ukraine with a total of 500 devices: we destroyed 70 percent of them,” Zelensky reported. “Air-defense systems are (the) number one (thing) that we lack.”
The Ukrainian President’s visit to Lithuania is part of a broader effort to shore up support from Western allies. This tour of former Soviet republics, now EU and NATO members, marks Zelensky’s first official trip abroad this year.
