Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday accused Russia of pursuing wider territorial ambitions in Europe than it publicly admits.
“Russian war plans point to this region – Odessa – and then toward the borders with Moldova and Romania,” Zelensky stated on the Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit within the Black Sea port metropolis.
He stated that Moscow seeks to sow chaos throughout the area to weaken Europe as an entire.
Shortly after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russian General Rustam Minnekayev declared that controlling southern Ukraine and securing a land hall to the breakaway Moldovan area of Transnistria have been amongst Moscow’s struggle goals.
The Kremlin has by no means formally confirmed these aims.
Zelensky stated Russia’s objectives lengthen effectively past Ukraine. The Kremlin, he claimed, has stirred ethnic tensions within the Balkans, meddled in elections in Romania, and is making an attempt to regain affect over former Soviet republics equivalent to Moldova.
He warned that if pro-Russian forces win Moldova’s parliamentary elections in September, it may embolden Moscow to deepen its interference in different European nations.
The summit in Odessa was held to coordinate regional assist for Ukraine and handle wider safety issues.
Zelensky renewed his requires stronger air defences and political backing, together with assist for Ukraine’s bid to hitch the European Union.
He additionally posted a video on Telegram displaying himself and several other visiting leaders laying flowers for fallen Ukrainian troopers.
Source: www.anews.com.tr