Offering Putin Ukraine concessions ‘suicidal’ for Europe: Zelensky

KYIV, Ukraine: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday said it would be “suicidal” for Europe to offer the Kremlin concessions to halt its invasion of Ukraine.

Speaking to European leaders at a summit in Hungary, Zelensky blasted those who were urging him to give in to some of President Vladimir Putin´s hardline demands, and urged Europe and the United States not to loosen ties following the election of Donald Trump.

“There has been much talk about the need to yield to Putin, to back down, to make some concessions ... It´s unacceptable for Ukraine and suicidal for all Europe,” Zelensky said, according to a copy of the address provided to AFP by the Ukrainian presidency.

He accused some European leaders, without specifying who, of “strongly” pushing Ukraine to make “concessions to Putin” -- something Kyiv says would only embolden the Kremlin leader and encourage further aggression.

“We need sufficient weapons, not support in talks. Hugs with Putin won´t help. Some of you have been hugging him for 20 years, and things are only getting worse,” Zelensky said.

The summit was being hosted by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has repeatedly railed against the West´s multi-billion dollar support to Kyiv.