Zelenskyy warned Europe of a new threat: Putin is preparing for a protracted conflict
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Europe needs Ukraine just as much as Ukraine needs the support of its European partners. According to him, Russia is already preparing for a long-term confrontation and is building up its military presence near the borders of European countries.
The head of state made this statement in his address.
Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia is actively building and expanding military bases near the borders of European countries, particularly in areas where such infrastructure did not exist even during the Soviet era.
“Without Ukraine, without our capabilities and our experience, things could become extremely difficult for Europe,” the president noted.
According to Zelenskyy, the Kremlin’s plans are designed for the long term and pose a threat not only to Ukraine but also to European security as a whole.
Source: Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The last time Putin adjusted the size of the Russian military before February 2022 was back in November 2017. Since the start of the full-scale war, the Kremlin has repeatedly increased the authorized strength of the Russian Armed Forces and has been actively recruiting contract soldiers and conducting mobilization measures to replenish its personnel. This was reported by the Russian Ministry of Defense.
On the outskirts of the temporarily occupied Crimea, a sharp increase in the number of mobile fire groups of Russian troops has been recorded, which are being deployed along key roads and bridges. These areas include the vicinity of Chongar, the R-280 highway, and crossings over the North Crimean Canal.
