Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned Thursday that global inaction toward Iran and other authoritarian regimes is fueling mounting security threats, accusing Europe of relying on symbolism instead of real power at a moment of escalating danger. (Denis Balibouse/Reuters)
Without decisive action, he warned, Europe will remain reactive.
"If Europe’s actions don’t scare bad actors, Europe will always be reacting, always catching up," he said.
The Ukrainian leader also criticized global inaction in Iran amid a mass protest movement against its regime.
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"As for Iran, everyone is waiting to see what America will do," Zelenskyy said. "And Europe offers almost nothing."
He warned that refusing to support people fighting for freedom carries long-term consequences, arguing that Western delay repeatedly empowers hostile regimes.
"When you refuse to help people fighting for freedom, the consequences always come back — and they are always negative," Zelenskyy said.
Zelenskyy pointed to Belarus as a warning of what happens when Europe fails to act early. After mass protests against Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko in 2020, Western governments declined to intervene decisively. Russia later deployed missiles to Belarusian territory, now within range of major European capitals.
"Faith in a lucky turn of events cannot stop force," Zelenskyy said. (Danylo Antoniuk/AP Photo)
"How many are investing in stability around Taiwan to avoid war?," he asked. "But can Taiwanese companies stop building electronics for Russia’s war?"
"Europe says almost nothing. America says nothing. And Putin makes missiles."
Cutting off those supply chains, he argued, would be more effective than relying solely on missile defenses.
"It would be cheaper and easier to stop the components than to keep intercepting missiles," Zelenskyy said.
Zelenskyy concluded by framing Ukraine as Europe’s frontline defense, warning that European security is inseparable from Ukraine’s survival.
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"You need Ukraine’s independence too, because tomorrow you may have to defend your own way of life," he said.
"You can’t build a new world order out of words," Zelenskyy added. "Only actions build a real order."
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