Thread by @ZelenskyyUa

I addressed the European Political Community summit held in Budapest, emphasizing that the concept of ‘peace through strength’ has proven itself and is needed now. Showing weakness or selling out Europe’s positions won’t buy a just peace. Peace is the reward only for the strong.

Yesterday, I spoke with President Trump. It was a good, productive conversation. We hope America will grow stronger. This is the kind of America that Europe needs. And a strong Europe is what America needs. This is the connection between allies that must be valued and cannot be lost.

Since our last meeting, Russia’s war has escalated significantly. It was Russia that caused this escalation. North Korea is now waging war in Europe. North Korean soldiers are now attempting to kill our people on European soil.

Since the European Political Community Summit in Britain in July, there has been much talk about yielding to Putin. Some here have advocated for Ukraine making ‘concessions’ to Putin. It’s unacceptable for Ukraine and suicidal for all Europe.

And what’s next? Should Europe seek Kim Jong Un’s favor in hopes he’ll leave Europe in peace No strong leader who helped build a united, strong, and peaceful Europe would even imagine doing this.

Thus, there is no alternative to a strong Europe. Unity is essential for strength. Russia started this war not because it needed more territory. Russia has more land than anyone. They wanted global power, starting with control over Ukraine and then over all of Europe, as they once did under Soviet or imperial rule.

Budapest remembers Soviet tanks. Ukrainian cities will not forget Russian bombs. And just like Budapest, every city in Ukraine and all European countries deserves security and peace.

I am grateful for supporting Ukraine and our people. We are defending ourselves not against Russian words, but against Russian attacks. We need sufficient weapons, not just support in talks. Hugs with Putin won’t help. Some have hugged him for 20 years, yet things only worsen. He thinks only about wars. Only pressure can put limits on him.

We have built a diplomatic system capable of pushing Russia toward a just peace. Many here have participated in this effort for effective diplomacy. Thematic conferences have covered every point of the Peace Formula. Nuclear safety, foodsecurity, energy, the return of prisoners and deported people to Ukraine, full enforcement of international law, and more.

We must push Russia toward a just peace. A just peace will be a shared victory. The Plan of Victory is on your table. Ukraine was the first to propose changing our common strategy to achieve, and soon, a just peace.

This war is taking place on Ukrainian soil. Ukraine is grateful for partner support and open to constructive ideas for peace. But it is up to Ukraine to decide what should and should not be on the agenda to end this war.

The bill for this war should be sent to the Russians, not Ukraine, so that Russia can no longer advance its false claims to everyone around – from the Baltics to the Balkans. Any country, any leader respecting international law should understand that predators always demand more.

During this war, certain European approaches have failed. For example, the closer country is to Russia, the weaker the concept of neutrality becomes. Finland and Sweden’s rapid accession to NATO shows how European leaders truly envision guaranteed security –  not through words, but through NATO. Ukraine has noted this.

I thank every leader who supports Ukraine’s right to use funds from Russian assets to protect against Russian aggression. The Russian state values neither people nor morality – they value only money. It is also a lesson for them when Russian assets work for Ukraine.

This is Ukrainian money – Russia destroyed hundreds of our towns and villages. Millions of our people have lost their homes. This requires funds. Now, instead of looking for reasons to delay, we must find a mechanism to direct these funds to Ukraine, so they can work as quickly as possible.

Putin’s war funds: Russia still profits from selling oil enough to continue its war, evades sanctions, and buys drone and missile components worldwide. Russia still spreads instability in the Sahel, North Africa, the Middle East, and countries like Yemen. Why does Putin do this? We need leverage over. Europe needs it.

Together, we can stop Russia’s war and respond to other challenges. This is possible for Europe – not for any one leader alone. Stand together in defending our common interests. And let us work together with our allies for our shared interests.