Zelensky Warns That Putin Will ‘100%’ Occupy Europe If US Withdraws NATO Support

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By Newsroom with Agencies

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a dire warning that the risk of Russian occupation in Europe is “100 percent” if the United States withdraws military support from NATO. In an interview with NBC News, Zelensky revealed that intelligence reports indicate 150,000 Russian soldiers are currently amassing in Belarus, heightening concerns of a broader conflict.

Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine will not accept any ceasefire deal made without its involvement, expressing trust in U.S. President Donald Trump but cautioning against negotiations that do not prioritize Ukraine’s interests. He fears that Vladimir Putin is waiting for NATO’s weakening and that the absence of U.S. military support would put Ukraine and former Soviet bloc nations in a “difficult position.”

Zelensky warns that Putin will ‘100%’ occupy Europe if US withdraws Nato support https://t.co/cd6FHpyupG

— The Independent (@Independent) February 16, 2025

Europe at Risk

“There are risks that this can be Poland and Lithuania because we believe – we believe that Putin will wage war against NATO,” Zelensky warned in his interview with Kristen Welker. “I believe that the United States will not withdraw its forces from Europe because that will severely weaken NATO and the European continent. Putin counts on that.”

Zelensky further claimed that intelligence reports suggest Putin is considering an invasion of former Soviet republics, some of which are now NATO members. He stressed that without U.S. backing, Ukraine’s survival chances are significantly diminished after enduring a three-year-long war in which it has already lost 20 percent of its territory to Russian forces.

NATO’s Readiness Questioned

Zelensky pointed out the stark military imbalance between Russia and Europe, arguing that Russian forces significantly outnumber those of NATO members.

“Even if I look at the Russian army, they have 220 to 250 brigades, while Europe has 50,” he stated. “That is the answer. The risk that Russia will occupy Europe is 100 percent.”

He urged the international community, particularly Europe, to take part in negotiations and called on Trump to ensure Ukraine remains a priority in talks with Putin. “I will never accept any decisions between the United States and Russia about Ukraine, never,” he asserted. “This is a war in Ukraine, against us, and it’s our human losses.”

Diplomatic Concerns Over US-Russia Talks

U.S. officials and their Russian counterparts are set to hold discussions in Saudi Arabia ahead of a potential meeting between Trump and Putin. However, Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, previously stated that European leaders would not be included in the negotiations to end the war. This decision has caused alarm across Europe, with concerns that a deal may be struck without input from Ukraine or its allies.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is expected to attend an emergency summit called by French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday to discuss a response. Starmer is also planning a visit to the United States to convey Europe’s position directly to Trump.

“This is a once-in-a-generation moment for our national security, where we must confront the reality of the world today and the threat we face from Russia,” Starmer said. “It’s clear that Europe must take on a greater role in NATO while working with the United States to secure Ukraine’s future and counter the threat posed by Russia.”

Military Escalations Continue

While diplomatic efforts continue, Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine. Overnight drone strikes injured at least one person in Mykolaiv, with several homes damaged in Kyiv. Ukrainian military officials reported that Russia launched 143 drones, of which 95 were intercepted, while 46 failed to reach their targets due to electronic countermeasures.

In a statement on Telegram, Ukraine’s State Emergency Service reported that drone strikes caused property damage in the Kyiv region, though no casualties were recorded.

Zelensky once again appealed to Western allies for more air defense systems, emphasizing that Russia has launched approximately 1,220 aerial bombs, over 850 drones, and more than 40 missiles into Ukrainian-controlled areas in the past week alone.

With the full-scale invasion nearing its third anniversary, Ukraine continues to call on NATO and Western allies to stand firm against Russian aggression and prevent further territorial expansion in Europe.