Zelenskyy in Brussels: We must take instrument of terror out of Russia's hands, terrorists must lose

Speaking during a meeting of the ontact group for assistance to Ukraine in Brussels, Zelenskyy reminded that next Monday will be the 600th day of confrontation with full-scale Russian aggression.

"We cannot say how long we will have to defend our independence and identity. But we can say a few important things. First: Putin will not have Ukraine. Second: Russia cannot afford a new arms race. Third: democracy can win this battle. And this is important not only for Ukraine, but for every state in the world," Zelenskyy emphasized.

Zelenskyy added that Moscow's ambitions have never been limited to Ukraine, but it is worth making sure that Russia is defeated.

"And we all want these ambitions to be limited in Ukraine in the near future. We don't need to look for shells and tanks for other countries where a crazy Russian imperialist can invade and turn them into his sphere of influence. I know that NATO is ready to defend its borders against external aggression. But I don't want this to be felt in reality, we need to protect the world from the threat of Russian aggression."

"I know what is needed to speed up the end of this war. This is the full protection of our territorial integrity, sovereignty, and full security guarantees for Ukraine after the war. We are now in a special situation on the battlefield. One in which it is necessary to press on without any pauses. We need to understand the principles of effective defense. It should not allow the enemy to stop and recover, to choose new tactics. Russia has lost the initiative today, and we continue to press on. Ukrainian courage and your support determine what is happening and will continue to happen on the battlefield," he emphasized.

Zelenskyy noted that Russia's only strength is that it "can destroy lives." It is not a security donor, a party to development, a political player, and has no economic influence.

"It is a terrorist. It is a threat to Ukraine and many other countries. We need to take this instrument of terror out of Russia's hands. And the only answer is air defense and other types of weapons. And above all, remember that we need not only to put a just end to the war, but also to contain it and prevent it from reaching your borders," he added, noting that terrorists like Putin or Hamas must lose.

Ukraine's priority is air defense systems and long-range missiles

He made this point during his opening remarks at the Ramstein meeting in Brussels.

"Our top priority is air defense systems. We have identified the specific requirements, targeting key areas within our nation to safeguard our power grid, people, and grain," Zelenskyy explained.

The President also emphasized the need for Ukraine to ensure its exports and establish safe corridors for Africa, Asia, and the global market.

"Long-range missiles are vital for us, not only in terms of acquisition but also in terms of their strategic deployment to repel Russian invaders from our land. Equally important is our ongoing focus on defensive strategies. We are currently emphasizing defense rather than initiating counteroffensive actions," Zelenskyy underscored.

• On October 11, Wednesday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Belgium for a meeting within the Ramstein format. The state leader has planned a series of meetings during his visit.