Volodymyr Zelenskiy used an impassioned address at the European Council gathering in Brussels to urge European leaders to provide his country with long-range weapons in order to force genuine consequences on Vladimir Putin and alter the course of this conflict. Reuters +2 and Pravda both reported his remarks as validating Ukraine’s position on these matters.
Weapons Can Save Lives Strategic Argument
Zelenskiy made this announcement following his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, where the U.S. declined to commit to providing Ukraine with Tomahawk-type cruise missiles requested by Zelenskiy, according to Reuters.
He told EU leaders the priority now should be on procuring long-range weapons capable of striking deeper targets: “When we talk about long-range weapons for Ukraine, this means making real consequences felt by Putin’s regime from this war.” (Reuters).
He continued: “Putin became visibly nervous when this topic was brought up; he is aware of how long-range weapons can change the course of a conflict.”
(Reuters).
Zelenskiy reminded the EU that such capacity does not solely reside with one nation – signalling to member-states that they can act.
Pravda Maxximizing Russian Assets.
Zelenskiy also called on EU leaders to approve a mechanism using frozen Russian assets as collateral for a EUR140 billion “reparations loan” to Ukraine, with much of this capital going toward equipping Ukraine with European-made armour, missiles and defence systems. (Reuters +1).
Zelenskiy described his proposal as being both legal and fair; its foundation lies in future reparations payments imposed upon those responsible. Why It Matters Now Multiple factors give Zelenskiy’s call greater significance:
Ukraine’s frontline forces have become increasingly in need of long-range capabilities that go beyond defensive drones and short-range artillery systems.
Russia remains capable of striking deep strikes into Ukrainian territory and infrastructure, making deterrence an essential consideration.
Zelenskiy seeks to strengthen European unity by making direct appeals directly to European capitals.
Ukraine’s focus on long-range strategies is particularly significant; it suggests they no longer simply seek survival but aim to use tools which might force Russia into more serious negotiations or render occupation impossible.
European Reaction and Roadblocks
European leaders at the summit listened with much sympathy to this request and many gave their backing, though practical and political hurdles still exist: some countries feared supplying offensive systems could escalate war or provoke Russia into taking retaliatory measures; while others worried about legal and export control implications of transferring long-range missiles.
Zelenskiy’s mention of European-made systems was an astute diplomatic move: it encourages member-states to provide equipment from within their arsenal rather than solely depend on U.S. deliveries, thus decreasing Washington’s role and giving Brussels greater say over Ukraine’s war capability.
What Zelenskiy Aims to Accomplish Through Her Speech
Strengthen Europe’s military engagement and commitment to Ukraine.
Shift supplier responsibility away from predominantly U.S. systems towards European industrial capability.
Utilize the frozen-assets proposal to link financial compensation with defence procurement, creating a cycle of aid-for-capability.
Undermining Russia’s sense of impunity by creating long-term risk and altering operational dynamics on the battlefield.
Stakes Ahead If the EU acts on Zelenskiy’s call, its implications could alter dramatically: Ukraine might gain the ability to strike deeper-lying Russian operations or logistics hubs more directly, potentially upending Moscow’s plans for strategic development. On the other hand, failure could embolden Russian aggression further and create narratives of Western indecision while reinforcing narratives of Western indecision and increasing Russian aggression further.
At Brussels, Ukraine sent out a clear message: it no longer simply defends, it seeks the capability to transform defense into deterrence. Zelenskiy’s blunt appeal captured this pivotal moment–one where military technology, financial strategy and diplomatic solidarity converge. Whether or not Europe accepts this challenge remains to be seen.