Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has claimed that Russian leader Vladimir Putin initially aimed to destabilize multiple European nations.
However, due to Ukraine's staunch resistance, Putin now finds himself in a position where he has to seek alliances with North Korea and Iran.
Zelenskyy's perspective
Zelenskyy stated that Putin's original list of countries to target was extensive and that if Ukraine had fallen, half of Europe would have been under Moscow's influence.
He credited American investments in Ukrainian security for thwarting Putin's plans.
According to Ukrainska Pravda, Zelenskyy said:
"Now, Putin’s list of goals is different. Instead of dictating terms to America, Europe, and the whole free world, Putin is forced to humiliate himself by personally entertaining a delegation from Pyongyang and trying to find favor with Tehran."
The Ukrainian President drew parallels between the fighting spirit of Ukrainian soldiers and the words of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln to General Grant during the Civil War.
Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine is paying a high price for global security, as Russia continues its daily attacks with missiles and Iranian-made drones.
Zelenskyy expressed confidence that Ukraine's resilience would prevent other nations from having to engage militarily.
He thanked the American people for their support and recounted his conversation with President Biden on the first day of the Russian invasion, where both leaders assured each other of their countries' support.
