In a candid interview, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a stark warning that Russia could open a second front in Europe, potentially before the ongoing war in Ukraine comes to an end.
He described this as part of a wider "hybrid war against Europe" that Russian President Vladimir Putin is waging, testing NATO’s limits while his brutal offensive continues in Ukraine, sparking fears of a third World War.
Zelensky emphasized that Putin's ambitions extend far beyond Ukraine, with the Russian leader willing to simultaneously target multiple European nations.
"He can do that," Zelensky said to The Guardian when asked if Russia might strike elsewhere.
"We must forget about the general European skepticism that Putin first wants to occupy Ukraine and then may go somewhere else. He can do both at the same time."
Russia's Stalemate and Increasing Threats to Europe
The Ukrainian president pointed to growing signs of Russian malign activity across Europe, including drone incursions over Poland, Copenhagen, Munich, and Brussels.
Zelensky linked these actions to Russia’s lack of success on the battlefield, particularly in the Donetsk region where Russian forces have been fiercely battling for control.
"Putin is in a dead-end situation in terms of real success. It’s more like a stalemate for him," Zelensky said. "That’s why these failures could lead him to look for other territories."
Zelensky believes that Russia, a vast and aggressive nation, requires an external adversary to unite its diverse regions.
He criticized Russia’s imperialist stance, asserting that Ukraine’s values align much more closely with the United States than with Moscow.
He also warned that Russia’s aggression is part of a broader effort to destabilize Europe and undermine NATO.
Zelenskyy has warned that Russia could target Europe. Credit: Global Images Ukraine / Getty
US and European Support: A Delicate Balance
As Ukraine continues to ask for more military support, including fighter jets and air defense systems, Zelensky's interactions with Western leaders reveal both cooperation and caution.
While the UK and other European countries have ruled out sending fighter jets, Zelensky has been actively seeking to bolster Ukraine’s air defense, particularly through the acquisition of Patriot missile systems from the US.
"I hope to order 27 Patriot air defense systems from US manufacturers," he said, urging European nations to lend their existing systems in the interim.
Zelensky also expressed frustration with the pace of military aid, particularly in light of the looming winter and the ongoing energy crisis.
"It’s never enough. It’s enough when the war ends. And enough when Putin understands that he has to stop," he remarked, acknowledging the challenging conditions that Ukrainians face due to Russian strikes on their energy grid.
Zelenskyy has called for more military aid from allies. Credit: Chip Somodevilla / Getty
Russia’s Expansionist Goals and NATO’s Response
Zelensky also warned that Russia's aspirations extend far beyond Ukraine’s borders, possibly threatening other European nations.
He suggested that Putin is using the war in Ukraine to fuel internal cohesion within Russia, by portraying the West – and particularly NATO – as a common enemy.
"Befriending Russia is not a solution for America," Zelensky said. "In terms of values, Ukraine is much closer to the US than Russia."
As Russia suffers mounting casualties in Ukraine, particularly in the battle for the city of Pokrovsk, Zelensky described the ongoing conflict as a "stalemate" for Putin.
He noted that Russian forces had committed 170,000 soldiers to the assault on the eastern city, with heavy casualties on both sides.
"There is no [Russian] success there. And many casualties," Zelensky observed, adding that Moscow had lost 25,000 soldiers in October alone.
Zelensky also underscored that NATO’s "red lines" are being tested by Russia’s actions across Europe.
The president warned that Putin’s territorial ambitions could extend even further, urging NATO to remain vigilant and united.
The growing threats against Ukraine and its allies have only heightened concerns over Europe’s security, with Zelensky urging for swift action to deter Russia’s aggression.