Zelensky: without Ukraine, it may be “extremely difficult” for Europe to stand up to Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that his country is a key component of European security and warned of serious risks for the continent in the absence of Ukraine’s military capabilities.

In his address, Zelensky pointed to Russia’s long-term intentions, citing the construction of Russian military bases near Europe — including in places where no such facilities existed during the Soviet era.

“And given Russia’s long-term intentions — the fact that Russian bases are now being built near Europe even in places where there were no military bases during the Soviet era — this clearly indicates that without Ukraine, without our capabilities and our experience, it may be extremely difficult for Europe,” the Ukrainian leader said.

On June 9, Zelensky also stated that the European side must be present at any possible meeting on a ceasefire in the conflict in Ukraine. According to him, European countries are suffering from the Moscow-Kyiv conflict because of drones.

Earlier, the leaders of the “euro troika” countries outlined conditions for achieving peace in Ukraine. As the first point in the document, they called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to an immediate and complete ceasefire. In addition, the “euro troika” leaders demanded reliable, “legally binding” security guarantees, which must be based on agreements reached in Berlin in December 2025 and in Paris in January 2026.

Furthermore, Zelensky excluded the Russian language from the list of languages subject to protection.