Ukraine’s 44-year-old President Volodymyr Zelensky pressed the European Council in Brussels for European Union Membership, knowing it was a long shot, especially knowing the economy in bankruptcy and war with the Russian Federation. “We have to enhance the dynamics our cooperation, we have to do it faster that the aggressor,” Zelensky told the European Council. More that pressing for EU membership, Zelensky asked the EU for fighter jets, something opposed by 64-year-old German Chancellor Olaf Scholz who, only recently, approved delivery of 14 German Leopard 2 tanks. Zelensky continues to pitch the idea that Ukraine deserves the most advance weapons to preserve European democracy, an idea so preposterous it’s hard to imagine no one pushed back. EU countries, all 27, know that NATO, not Zelensky, protects European security on the Continent.
Zelensky’s presidential adviser Mykhaylo Podolyak said on Ukraine TV that the EU would eventually supply long-range missiles and fighter jets to beat back a Russian advance. Poland demurred on Zelensky’s requests for fighter jets, telling Kiev that Poland would only supply jets “within the entire framework of NATO.” Poland’s Prime Minister Mateusz said his country would consider Zelensky’s request fighter jets collectively, with other members of the Alliance. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said the idea of supplying jets could only be discussed “behind closed doors.” Whether admitted to or not, Zelensky continues to pressure Washington and Brussels for more lethal weapons, including long-range missiles and fighter jets. There’s no mention from Zelensky about working on a ceasefire and peace talks, only escalating the war to oust Russian from Ukrainan territory.
Zelensky has tried to sell Brussels on escalating the war based on their shared way of life., seeking to fast-track EU membership. “Ukraine is going to be a member of the European Union,” Zelensky told MEPs. Zelensky gave the same pitch to a joint session of Congress Dec. 21, 2022, saying Ukraine defended Europe against Russian aggression. Zelensky told the EU that Europe could not be free without a free Ukraine, saying that Ukraine defended Europe from Russian tyranny. Every member of the EU parliament should confront Zelensky’s attempt to gaslight the EU. War-torn and bankrupt Ukraine cannot defend Europe against Russian aggression, that’s the role of NATO since the end of WW III. Key members of the EU should remind Zelensky that Ukraine has its own problems with the Kremlin but certainly doesn’t see Kiev as defending European democracy.
Zelensky tried to sell French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on the idea that the sooner Kiev received long-range missiles and fighter jets, “the quicker the Russian aggression would end.” Once Zelensky got a commitment of U.S., German and British tanks, he began pushing for EU membership, fighter jets and long-range missiles. “The pros and cons—you have to make absolutely sure you are not getting into an Article Five direct confrontation between NATO and Russia,” Mr. Rutte said. Kremlin officials have warned NATO that more arms shipments to Ukraine borders on direct involvement in the conflict. “We regret this and state that such actions of these countries lead to the escalation of tension around this conflict, prolong it and make it more painful and tortuous for Ukraine,” s aid Kemlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
Zelensky has no compunction about asking Brussels for more lethal weapons to battle the Russian Federation. Zelensky would welcome the direct involvement of European countries into the war, including ground troops or a no-fly-zone. Zelensky already thinks WW III has begun in Europe with the war against the Kremlin. So, when it comes to Zelensky, he’s looking for more weapons and cash any way he can get it. French President Emmanuel Macron has been working behind the scenes with Russian President Vladimir Putin to move the conflict from the battlefield to the peace table. Zelensky and other Kiev officials have given Macron a hard time for trying to push for peace. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reluctantly agreed to give Kiev Leopard 2 battle tanks, thinking it only prolongs the conflict. Zelensky wants more cash-and-arms but should be working feverishly to find a political solution.
Zelensky keeps telling London and Brussels that Ukraine battles to keep Europe free from the Russian menace. Before the Feb. 24, 2022 invasion, Europe enjoyed a good working relationship with the Russian Federation. With President Joe Biden slapping Russia with an oil embargo and punitive economic sanctions, Brussels has been swept up in war fever. Only France and Germany have recognized the importance of a ceasefire and peace talks. Biden and Zelensky have only talks about how more lethal weapons will eventually end the war but there are no guarantees. If giving Ukraine tanks and eventually missiles and fighter jets prolongs the war, then it’s done Ukraine and the world a disservice. Regardless of who’s right or wrong, there’s only one path to peace through a ceasefire and peace talks. Biden and Zelensky continue to prolong the conflict at Ukraine’s expense.
About the Author
John M. Curtis writes politically neutral commentary analyzing spin in national and global news. He’s editor of OnlineColumnist.com and author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.
