Russia is the main source of threats for all countries in Southeast Europe, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
He said this in his opening remarks at the Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit in Odesa on Wednesday, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.
“Sadly, our region is one of Russia’s main targets – main targets for causing chaos. We’ve seen this before – across the Balkans, where Russia fueled ethnic tensions, sabotage, and even coup attempts. We’ve witnessed attempts to manipulate public opinion in Romania, with Moscow’s involvement. And for three decades now, Russia has tried to keep Moldova in poverty and instability, to bring it fully under its control. If Europe loses in Moldova this year, it will embolden Russia to interfere even more in your countries – taking from you your resources, your sovereignty, even your history. That’s why supporting a European Moldova – not pro-Russian or oligarchic forces – is a critical task for all of us. And the same goes for Ukraine,” Zelensky said.
He said that Russia does not view Ukraine as a sovereign nation, but “only as a source of resources and a springboard for its further invasions.”
“We all in the region are dealing with the same source of destruction. Today, I suggest we focus — and especially I will focus — on three things: defense, unity, and real development. You can all see — Putin does not want to end this war. He believes that as long as he can fight and dominate his neighbors, he stays politically alive. But no matter what he believes, our job is to force Russia into a position where they must seek peace and political survival by non-military means. This is absolutely possible,” Zelensky said.
He also highlighted Ukraine’s progress in strengthening its air defense systems and drone capabilities.
“Defense support for Ukraine. We need it to protect our cities and villages from Russian attacks, and to make Russia feel the real cost of war at home. Air defense systems and drones are crucial,” Zelensky said.
Speaking about the location of the summit, he stressed that Odesa itself is among Russia’s targets.
“We’re here in our beautiful city, in Odesa. This beautiful city is a target for Russia. It wants to destroy it like it did countless cities and villages in occupied territories. Russian war plans point to this region — Odesa, and then toward the borders with Moldova and Romania. Of course, we need protection now. But even more, we need long-term guarantees that this can never happen again. That’s why I’m asking all of you to treat security guarantees after this war as a practical need. From air defense to cyber threats – we need real tools for deterrence and rapid response,” Zelensky said.
In a post on Telegram, Zelensky expressed gratitude to the partners who took part in the fourth Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit in Odesa.
“Grateful to all the leaders and partners who came together in Odesa for the Fourth Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit. Your presence sends a clear, united message against Russia’s attempts to destabilize our region and undermine sovereignty in Europe,” he wrote.
Zelensky emphasized the importance of this format of cooperation and noted the need to develop it further.
“More support is on the way. Thank you for helping defend lives and the values we all share,” he added.
The third Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit was held on October 9, 2024, in Dubrovnik, Croatia. That summit resulted in the signing of a significant cooperation and partnership agreement between Croatia and Ukraine, along with the joint Dubrovnik Declaration of Support for Ukraine, endorsed by summit participants from Balkan and Southern European countries.
Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine
Source: Zelensky at Odesa summit: Russia is main source of threats for all countries in Southeast Europe
