Ukrainian President Zelensky Requests Aid at NATO Summit

During the NATO Summit held in Brussels on Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the harrowing situation in his country following the Russian invasion in late February.

According to a transcript of his speech released by the Ukrainian government, Zelensky described his country as being “in the ‘gray zone’ between the West and Russia” on Thursday.

Speaking to NATO members in a closed-door session from Kyiv via video link, Zelensky requested that NATO come to the country’s aid, despite the fact that Ukraine is not a member of the alliance, but an “ally.”

Zelensky at NATO Summit: Russia will not stop with Ukraine

“Yes, we are not in the alliance. And I do not make these claims. But Ukrainians never thought that the alliance and the allies were different,” the Ukrainian President stated.

He warned that Russia will “not…stop” with his own country if not thwarted in Ukraine.

“I am sure you already understand that Russia does not intend to stop in Ukraine…Does not intend and will not. It wants to go further,” he stressed.

He also alleged that Russia had been committing war crimes in Ukraine. “This morning, by the way, phosphorus bombs were used. Russian phosphorus bombs. Adults were killed again and children were killed again,” he stated. Such weapons are banned under the Geneva Convention.

According to the transcript, Zelensky discussed the request to establish a no-fly zone over his country he made on February 24, a request which was denied.

“On Feb. 24, I addressed you with a perfectly clear, logical request to help close our skies…In any format. Protect our people from Russian bombs and missiles. We did not hear a clear answer…And you see the consequences today. How many people were killed, how many peaceful cities were destroyed?” he asked.

Similarly, he criticized NATO countries for hesitating to send military planes to the country for fear of Russia considering such an act a military provocation.

“Ukraine asked for your planes…And you have thousands of fighter jets! But we haven’t been given any yet…To save people and our cities, Ukraine needs military assistance — without restrictions.”

Zelensky closed his statement by calling on NATO to do more in helping his country in the war against Russia.

“NATO has yet to show what the alliance can do to save people…To show that this is truly the most powerful defense union in the world. And the world is waiting. And Ukraine is very much waiting. Waiting for real actions. Real security guarantees. From those whose word is trustworthy. And whose actions can keep the peace,” he stated.

Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated Thursday that the alliance with offer Ukraine with support including medical assistance, detection equipment, and training in the case of Russian use of chemical weapons in the country.

Greek PM Mitsotakis stresses that sanctions should not “become more painful for the European citizens than for Russia”

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stressed that the world should “prepare” for the use of chemical weapons in Ukraine, despite the fact that he “hopes something of the kind will not happen,” while arriving at the NATO Summit on Thursday.

Mitsotakis went on to stress that NATO members must stress their support of Ukraine.

“What is important is that we will send a very clear message today that our Alliance is completely united on the issue of supporting Ukraine in this struggle for its existence.”

“I also believe it is very important that many member-states of the European Union have understood, as a result of this crisis, that Europe must increase it geopolitical imprint and its defense spending,” he continued.

The Greek PM, who has been vocal about working to reduce energy costs for Europeans, also stressed that “any measure we implement must not become more painful for the European citizens than it is for Russia.”

He noted, however, that sanctions on natural gas from Russia are necessary. Mitsotakis also stressed that Europe needs “to move as fast as possible in order to minimize our reliance on the Russian oil and natural gas.”