Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has raised the alarm with world powers, warning that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s next military move is inevitable, as he is likely to return with a more powerful military after rebuilding.
He warned global leaders against repeating past mistakes that allowed Russian aggression to advance, citing conflicts in Chechnya, Georgia, and the early stages of the Ukraine war in 2014.
“This is a big mistake to allow the aggressor to take something,” he said, emphasising the high human and material costs of failing to confront Moscow.
Zelenskyy recalled the Chechen conflict, noting the scale of destruction and loss.
“Total destruction and one million casualties – both killed and wounded,” he said, underlining the severity of past conflicts.
Lessons From History
Reflecting on his own approach, Zelenskyy said he did not want to repeat the errors of his predecessors.
“I don’t want to be the President who will repeat the mistakes made by my predecessors or other people,” he said.
He stressed that his message was not only directed at Ukraine but at leaders worldwide who had previously failed to check Russia’s territorial ambitions. Zelenskyy criticised conciliatory gestures toward aggressive states.
“You can’t stop Putin with your kisses or flowers,” he said.
He advised global leaders, “Don’t do that with Putin,” highlighting the risks of underestimating the Russian President’s intentions.
Russia’s Military Rebuilding
Zelenskyy warned that Russia’s losses in the current conflict, although substantial, would not prevent Moscow from regaining strength.
He noted that the Russian military was suffering heavy casualties, losing 30,000 to 35,000 personnel per month.
“Otherwise, there will be a first step, then in five years, he will rebuild his military, increase the number of soldiers, and his army will be well trained,” he said.
The Ukrainian President underscored the alarming scale of these losses in the modern era.
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“Can you imagine this in the 21st century? Can you imagine – he’s losing 35,000 each month? I’m not sure that he knows about it,” he added, stressing the urgency for world powers to act decisively.
Zelenskyy framed his warnings within a broader appeal to international leaders, urging vigilance and strategic foresight.
He argued that historical mistakes had allowed Russia to strengthen and act aggressively with minimal resistance and warned that ignoring these lessons could have dire consequences.
Zelenskyy Secures Fresh Energy and Military Aid
As uncertainty surrounds Russian President Vladimir Putin’s next moves, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has secured new commitments for energy and military assistance following high-level talks.
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Zelenskyy, in his statement on February 15, confirmed that agreements were reached in Munich with leaders of the Berlin Format on specific support packages, which were expected by February 24.
“In Munich, we agreed with the leaders of the Berlin Format on specific packages of energy and military aid for Ukraine by February 24,” the statement partly read.
He said Ukraine requires sustained air defence capabilities and timely delivery of pledged aid to counter continued Russian strikes.
Zelenskyy expressed appreciation to international partners for their readiness to assist, noting that strengthened air defence remains essential to limiting Russia’s leverage through continued attacks.
“I am grateful to our partners for their readiness to help, and we count on all deliveries arriving promptly. Ukraine needs air defence every day to deprive Russia of leverage through terror. Thank you to everyone who helps,” he noted.
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