Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a stark warning to Western allies, stating that Russia is actively preparing to launch a 'big war' against Europe as early as 2029.
In an urgent message posted on social media platform X, the leader called for the international community to intensify pressure on Moscow by imposing stricter sanctions on its economy and weapons production to 'decrease their capabilities'.
Zelensky's Dire Assessment
President Zelensky's assessment is based on observations of Russia's expanding military-industrial complex. He stated that, given the current situation on the battlefield, there is no indication that the Kremlin desires peace.
'The problem is that when we look at the Russian military industry, we see that they are increasing their production,' Zelensky wrote. 'In our assessment, they want to continue this war.'
He elaborated on the timeline for a potential wider conflict, suggesting that Russia is preparing to start a large-scale war on the European continent between 2029 and 2030.
Call for Action and EU Response
Zelensky emphasised the need for immediate and decisive action. 'I think that we have to think about how to stop them now in Ukraine,' he urged. 'But also to do everything to decrease their capabilities. Not to give them money, which they still can get from energy. And not to give them weapons.'
This warning coincides with ongoing efforts by the European Union to source additional financial support for Ukraine. Options under consideration include seizing frozen Russian state assets, raising funds on capital markets, or direct contributions from its 27 member nations.
International Stance and Peace Efforts
Echoing the gravity of the situation, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin 'thinks he can outlast us' in the conflict over Ukraine's future. She labelled this a 'clear miscalculation' and called for a new impetus to bring him to the negotiation table.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin has taken a contrasting public position. On Thursday, spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed that Ukraine would have to negotiate with Russia 'sooner or later' and asserted that Kyiv's position would deteriorate with time.
Moscow has accused Ukrainian officials of refusing to engage in peace talks, a claim Kyiv refutes, stating that Russia's demands for Ukraine to cede occupied territory are tantamount to surrender and are unacceptable.
This diplomatic stalemate follows stalled US-led peace efforts. A potential summit discussed after a phone call between Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on 20 October was subsequently cancelled by President Trump, who has backed calls for an immediate ceasefire.
