Zelenskyy warned of intensified Russian attacks despite Putin's weakened position
On June 18, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that despite signs of Vladimir Putin’s weakening, Russia may intensify its missile and drone attacks on Ukraine. Following the Ramstein meeting and the Ukraine–EU Council summit in Brussels, the head of state urged citizens not to ignore warning signals and to take shelter.
Zelenskyy called Ukraine de facto NATO’s second army, which is on par with the world’s second-strongest army. According to him, this has already been recognized by all leaders, and that is precisely why Ukraine is needed by the Alliance de jure.
“Ukraine is today, de facto, NATO’s second army, which is on par with the world’s second-strongest army, and that is why we—and we alone—are needed by NATO de jure,” the president stated.
He emphasized that all partners, without exception, recognize that Ukraine is strong, that Putin does not want peace, and that all his statements about being ready for negotiations are lies. At the same time, the partners are confident that together they will stop the aggressor.
Zelenskyy warned that Putin’s weakening—politically, on the battlefield, and physically—paradoxically increases the risks for Ukraine’s civilian population.
“Putin is growing weaker—and that is why he may intensify his attacks on us, on our people, with missiles and drones. Please take shelter. I urge you to do so,” the president told Ukrainians.
He also explained Putin’s motivation: Putin fears sending his own army home and therefore avoids ending the war without a victory. The Kremlin’s goal is to restore the Soviet Union, and without Ukraine, this is impossible.
Among the key outcomes of the Brussels meetings were several concrete results. Nine countries confirmed their participation in the PURL program: this involves missiles for Patriot systems worth over $1 billion. In addition, an agreement was reached on additional F-16 fighter jets—the president emphasized the urgent need to train new pilots.
Zelenskyy also personally emphasized the need to fund the military: “I need money for contracts for our military personnel. Our partners agree; we will all work on this.”
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