Ukrainian President Zelensky Urges Western Countries To Continue To Pressure Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. (Twitter/@ZelenskyyUa)

JAKARTA - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday urged Western countries to tighten sanctions pressure on Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, while increasing his support for Kyiv to ensure Moscow does not succeed in its war.

Western countries' hesitation in supporting Kyiv and fear of escalating war with Russia has cost lives and time, and could prolong the fighting for years, he said while addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

When Western countries' strong support for Kyiv is now wavering amid political disputes in Washington and Brussels (European Union), President Zelensky said European countries need to understand President Putin's plans for more than just the war in Ukraine.

"In fact, Putin is the embodiment of war. He will not change. We must change. We all must change to the extent of the madness that is in this person's head or the heads of other aggressors will not win," said President Zelensky, as reported by Reuters, January 16.

Nearly two years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion, President Zelensky says he strongly opposes freezing the conflict as it stands now.

"Putin is a predator who is not satisfied with frozen products," he said.

President Zelensky said sanctions against Moscow needed to be properly enforced, while the lack of sanctions against Russia's nuclear sector was a reflection of Western weakness.

"Of course, I am grateful for every sanctions package. Thank you. But bringing peace closer will be a reward for all parties who care to ensure that the sanctions are one hundred percent successful," he said.

EU and NATO leaders echoed President Zelensky's concerns, telling the forum the West must not stop supplying Ukraine with weapons and money if Kyiv wants to win.

"The Ukrainian people need predictable funding throughout 2024 and beyond. They need sufficient and sustainable arms supplies to defend Ukraine and regain the territory to which it is entitled," warned European Commission Chair Ursula von der Leyen.

Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who also spoke in Davos, said support for Ukraine was not charity, but an investment in the alliance's own security.

"We just have to support Ukraine. At some stage, the Russians will understand that they paid too high a price and sit down and agree to a just peace, but we have to support Ukraine," he said.

In a question and answer session after his speech, President Zelensky said he had received "positive signals" about opening up financial support from the European Union.

He also hopes the United States will agree to further aid in the coming weeks.