Ukrainian President Zelensky speaking now in Munich. He says Ukraine will defend itself with or without help, whether allies give helmets (Germany) or weapons (US, UK, etc).
Zelensky says "the security architecture in Europe is broken. It’s time for a new one."
He says of the current Russia threat, "This isn't about war in Ukraine. This is about war in Europe."
He says of the current Russia threat, "This isn't about war in Ukraine. This is about war in Europe."
On NATO: "We are told the doors are open but that we are not allowed."
Zelensky says after years of dodging the question it's time for an answer as to whether Ukraine can be welcomed in NATO.
Zelensky says after years of dodging the question it's time for an answer as to whether Ukraine can be welcomed in NATO.
Zelensky mentions the escalation in the Donbas and massive shelling there in recent days, which I heard myself on the frontline in Mariinka yesterday.
Zelensky says we are ready to look for the keys to end the war in any format of negotiations. It doesn't matter where in the world we will agree on peace to end war in Ukraine. What is important is the understanding that it's not only us who needs peace, world needs peace.
Zelensky on US intel vs Ukrainian: The intel I trust is mine. I trust Ukrainians who understand what's going on in our borders. We're not living in delusion, we understand what can happen. But putting ourselves in coffins & waiting for Russian troop is now what we're going to do.
Zelensky continued: We aren't going to live in a state of expecting war tomorrow. How can we live if we think everyday the offensive will happen?
Zelensky the comic comes back out for a moment. "Wait a second. Cyberattack," he says as his translation piece drops out. "See the Russians are here," he says. A few chuckles from the audience.
Clarifying Zelensky's quip: "The Russians are not here but they're here."
Zelensky asked if was afraid to come to Munich. "No," he says. "I'm sure our country is in good hands. These are not just my hands, these are the hands of my soldiers and citizens."
"I had breakfast in Ukraine and I'll have dinner in Ukraine, as well."
"I had breakfast in Ukraine and I'll have dinner in Ukraine, as well."
One big thing Zelensky said. He called on the West to sanction Russia now if they're so sure Putin will invade. He said they won't do much good if Russian troops are in the country, the borders are compromised, the economy is in the tank. "Why would we need sanctions then?"
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