“It is not Europe that is at war with russia, but russia that is at war with Ukraine and, hypothetically, with many in Europe. We understand what they are capable of and what they can do, but Europe is afraid of the word ‘escalation’. And Europeans always think that Europe’s actions — since they are developed states, respectful of law and values — that any of their responses amount to escalation. But I believe the opposite: russia does not like weakness”, - President Zelensky said on Telegram on November 10.
“Any intellectual responses — and that’s exactly the kind Europe gives — signify weakness to russia. Weakness gives off a certain russian flavor. Russians sense that weakness and, while no one has yet gathered enough strength to resist, they try to harm, to seize some additional benefit for themselves. Regarding Ukraine, that benefit is to prevent Ukraine’s development, to destroy its identity and its lands. In other words, political benefits. In the energy direction — Slovakia, Hungary, Eastern Europe, Germany as well — to keep everyone on a constant energy hook”, - Zelensky noted.
According to him, weakness does not lead to dialogue with russia.
“For the russians, it’s just weakness, that’s all. And that means they can impose their narratives. That’s what’s happening. So, in response to the question of what all this is — the violation of European airspace in different countries by drones — these are all tests. Tests of Europe, tests of their reactions. All these drone attacks by putin are tests, to see what they are capable of. A test of how America will respond to the current threat to European countries that are in NATO. There’s no smoke without fire, and I believe all these tests are dangerous for Europe’s integrity”, - Zelensky emphasized.