On Thursday, December 19, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a press conference during the European Council meeting, where he discussed several significant topics, including peace negotiations, security guarantees for Ukraine, the state of the Armed Forces, and issues related to the transit of Russian gas.
Here are the key points from Zelensky's speech:
Ukraine will not agree to a frozen conflict
Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine, unlike Russia, is committed to peace but cannot agree to a freeze of the conflict without clear and reliable security guarantees. The Ukrainian leader stressed that a peace process is only possible if real security for the country is ensured, rather than just a temporary cessation of hostilities without guarantees.
We cannot live with a frozen conflict. When it comes to a cease-fire in any conflict, people know what will happen next, how it will end; otherwise, you are simply freezing the conflict. Therefore, Ukraine needs security guarantees and a strong position.
According to the president, a strong position for Ukraine is a stable front. This prevents the Russians from advancing.
This indicates that Russia does not have a capable army that can push forward. In other words, the army has weakened. This represents a strong position for Ukraine.
What can bring the end of the war closer
Zelensky outlined a series of events and steps that he believes could compel Russia to recognize the necessity of peace. Here are the main points of his address:
- geopolitical clarity for Ukraine and Europe – an invitation for Ukraine to join NATO
- clear progress on Ukraine's EU membership;
- strengthening our defense with promised weapons and air defense systems, as well as urgent equipment for brigades.
- increasing investments in weapons production in Ukraine and Europe to enhance capacity;
- maintaining and intensifying sanctions against Russia until full, lasting peace is achieved;
- more active use of frozen Russian assets to support peace efforts;
- social resilience – assisting Ukraine in rebuilding schools, hospitals, and energy infrastructure to ensure normal life.
What security guarantees does Ukraine need?
The primary security guarantee for Ukraine is its membership in NATO. However, on the way to this, Ukraine seeks additional guarantees not only from NATO but also from the European Union and the USA.
In response to journalists' questions, the president of Ukraine noted that guarantees from Europe alone are insufficient to ensure the country's full security.
I believe that European guarantees will not be enough for Ukraine. And this cannot be discussed solely with European leaders. Because for us, real guarantees, whether today or in the future, come from NATO. And NATO is based on the decisions of both the USA and European leaders.
The president also stressed the importance of raising issues regarding contingents, arms supplies, air defense systems, as well as long-range missiles and other defense means.
Progress on additional air defense systems for Ukraine
According to information provided by the president, Ukraine has made progress in strengthening its air defense forces. The transfer of several additional air defense systems has been confirmed, significantly enhancing the country's defense against aerial threats.
Several systems have been confirmed; we will be receiving them. There is Canadian assistance, and there is German assistance. It will be coming. Do we have all systems? Not enough? Yes, that’s a fact.
Lowering the conscription age
President Volodymyr Zelensky also expressed his position regarding the demands of Western partners to lower the conscription age.
He noted that Ukraine has enough trained brigades, but the problem lies not in quantity but in the lack of necessary weapons and equipment for these units.
If a person stands before you unarmed, what difference does it make whether they are 20 years old or 30? None. Partners focus on the physical capabilities of the military, while we focus on the fact that we have "naked" brigades that are not equipped, primarily with weapons. I think that’s not very fair.
Zelensky stated that a year ago, Ukraine reached an agreement with the USA and Europe to train 12 brigades abroad. However, to date, only two brigades are undergoing training, and these trainings are taking place in France and Germany.
Comment on Putin's statement about a "technological duel"
The president of Ukraine also reacted to the recent statement by Vladimir Putin, who proposed a "technological duel" with Ukraine. Zelensky sharply characterized the Kremlin dictator as a "freak," emphasizing the absurdity of such statements in the context of war and Russian aggression.
See who we are dealing with. Today, the "comrade from the Kremlin" said that Russia offers a "technological duel." Yes, there is already a video today; you can take a look. Putin suggested a "technological duel." Putin says: "We will strike, for example, somewhere in Kyiv with 'Oreshnik' – this new rocket – and they should set up air defense. And let's see what happens. And do you think this is an adequate person? Just freaks...
On Viktor Orban's relations with Putin
Zelensky stated that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban does not have a mandate to negotiate with Vladimir Putin. He also noted that Orban's relationship with the Russian president is too "warm," which calls into question his role in addressing issues related to Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
The Hungarian Prime Minister, despite all respect for Hungarians and Hungary, has no mandate for negotiations. His relations with Putin are too warm to put Putin in his place. It is crucial for us to preserve Ukraine, our independence, sovereignty, and to protect Europe. Today, Ukraine is defending Europe at the cost of Ukrainian lives. Undoubtedly, we need support. But what you are talking about seems like political PR.
Will Ukraine continue the transit of Russian gas?
Ukraine will not continue the transit of Russian gas. Specifically, because this would provide additional billions to Russia, the President stated.
We will not engage in extending the transit of Russian gas. We will not allow additional billions to be earned on our blood.
He also pointed out that Ukraine suffers much more due to Russian aggression, particularly due to the seizure of the nuclear power plant by Russia.