LIVE UPDATES
In a stern address during his Baltic tour, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the critical need to maintain a continuous defense against the ongoing Russian invasion, warning that any "pauses" would only serve to empower Moscow and facilitate a rearming process.
Speaking in Estonia, Zelensky highlighted the potential dangers of allowing interruptions in Ukraine's defense strategy. He asserted that granting the Russian Federation a window of two to three years without resistance would result in dire consequences, asserting, "Give the Russian Federation two to three years, then they will simply run us over. We wouldn't take that risk... There will be no pauses in favor of Russia."
Zelensky, on the second leg of his Baltic tour aimed at garnering support for Ukraine's prolonged battle against Russia, expressed concerns about the implications of a protracted conflict. He argued that a "long war" would not be in Ukraine's best interest, underscoring the nation's steadfast opposition to the conflict since its inception almost two years ago.
During a joint press conference with Estonia's President Alar Karis, Zelensky stressed Ukraine's aspiration to join NATO, stating that Kyiv "deserves" an invitation. He asserted that Ukraine's inclusion would serve to fortify the alliance's eastern flank, a move that aligns with the ongoing efforts to strengthen regional security.
"We are against this war from the first day and will be until the last," Zelensky declared, reinforcing Ukraine's commitment to ending the conflict while simultaneously emphasizing the necessity of sustained efforts to deter Russian aggression.
