Zelenskyy pushes for rapid support to avoid deaths
MUNICH — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Western allies Friday at a security conference to quicken their military support for Ukraine, warning delays would play into Russia’s hand.
“There is no alternative to speed, because it’s speed that life depends on,” Zelenskyy told the Munich Security Conference in Germany.
Ukraine depends on Western weapons to thwart Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ambition to seize large areas of the country. The military aid has become a test of foreign governments’ resolve.
About 40 heads of state, politicians and security experts from almost 100 countries are due to attend the three-day gathering amid fears the fighting in Ukraine could invite a new Cold War.
In his plea for more weapons, Zelenskyy compared Ukraine’s struggle to the fight between David and Goliath, saying his country had David’s courage but needed help getting the sling.
Zelenskyy vowed his country would prevail over Moscow’s aggression — and even predicted victory would happen this year. But he warned that Russia “can still destroy many lives.”
“That is why we need to hurry up,” Zelenskyy said. “We need the speed.”
Zelenskyy portrays Ukraine as defending Western values of democracy against tyranny and argues that his country needs to be properly equipped to fend off Russia’s larger force. Western countries have sided with him, but have been slow to meet his requests.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who has been one of Ukraine’s main backers, renewed pledges to help but also insisted that Kyiv’s allies must not be hasty.
“For all the pressure to act that there doubtless is ... care must come before rushing, cohesion before solo performances,” said Scholz, who has hesitated before taking new steps to help Ukraine.