Status: 02/17/2023 2:38 p.m
In his speech at the Munich Security Conference, the Ukrainian President Zelenskyy urged further arms aid. The war in the Ukraine is a fight between David and Goliath: David can win – but his slingshot has to become faster.
In his opening speech at the Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged further arms aid for Ukraine. “There is no alternative to our victory, and there must be no alternative to our determination,” Zelensky said in the video-transmitted speech.
In it he compared Ukraine to the biblical David and Russia to Goliath: “Being ‘David’ means you have to win. But you need a slingshot,” Zelensky said. “We must defeat ‘Goliath’ who is threatening our lives.” It’s about the speed with which weapons are delivered to Ukraine.
While the West is still debating supplies, the Kremlin is already a step further, making arms deals with Iran and considering how to put pressure on Moldova, Zelensky said. Delays benefited Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Thanks for previous support
Russia also poses a risk of destabilization for other parts of the world, for example in the Middle East. “It’s not just about Ukraine: Goliath has to lose.” There is no alternative to that.
However, Selenskyj also thanked the western partners for the previous help: “The Goliath has already started to lose, and I would like to thank you for that.” A victory for Ukraine this year is possible: “We can do it.”
It is also time for Ukraine to become a full member of the EU and NATO. Again, there is “no alternative,” he said. He hopes that a free Ukraine can take part in the next security conference in 2024.
NATO chief also believes victory is possible
Even before Selenskyj’s speech, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg had considered a victory for Ukraine to be realistic: “Yes, that’s why we support them,” he said when asked.
Although the war is likely to end at the negotiating table, the outcome depends entirely on military strength. “That’s why military support is currently the only way to guarantee a lasting and just peace,” said Stoltenberg. Putin must understand that he must accept a sovereign and independent Ukraine.