"Hugs with Putin won't help": Zelensky addressed the summit participants in Budapest.

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, addressed the European Political Community summit in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, on Thursday, November 7.

As reported by "Hvylya", he announced this on his Telegram channel.

Zelensky noted that the concept of "peace through strength" has repeatedly proven its realism and effectiveness. Now it is needed again.

"Like many of you. It was a good, productive conversation. Of course, we still cannot know what his specific actions will be. But we hope that America will become stronger. That is the America that Europe needs. And a strong Europe is what America needs. This is the connection between allies that should be valued and that cannot be lost," he said.

The President also emphasized that we face many challenges. According to him, since the last meeting in this format, there has been a significant escalation of the Russian war.

"And it is Russia that has led to this escalation. North Korea is now, in essence, waging war in Europe. North Korean soldiers are trying to kill our people on European soil... Since the July summit of the European Political Community in the UK, there have been many discussions about the necessity to succumb to Putin, retreat, make some "concessions." And some of those present here have strongly advocated for Ukraine to make "concessions" to Putin. This is unacceptable for Ukraine and suicide for all of Europe," Zelensky stated.

According to him, there should be no illusions that by displaying weakness or trading some European positions or the status of a European country, one can buy a just peace.

The leader of Ukraine also drew attention to the fact that Russia started this war not because it needs more territory.

"Russia has more land than anyone. It wanted global power, initially control over Ukraine, and then over all of you, as it once was under Soviet or imperial rule... I thank everyone for supporting Ukraine and our people. We are defending not against Russian words but against Russian attacks. Therefore, we need a sufficient amount of weapons, not support in negotiations. Hugs with Putin won't help. Some of you have been hugging him for 20 years, and it only gets worse. He thinks only about wars and will not change. Only through pressure can he be contained. We have built a clear diplomatic system capable of pushing Russia towards a just peace. Most of the countries represented here have joined this work for effective diplomacy," the president noted.

According to Zelensky, at themed conferences, each point of the Peace Formula has already been discussed, including nuclear safety, food security, energy, the return of prisoners and deported people to Ukraine, and full adherence to international law, among many other issues. The President stressed that Russia needs to be pushed towards this.

"And a just peace will be our joint victory. The victory plan is on your table. That's why Ukraine was the first to propose changing our common strategy to achieve - as fast as possible - a just peace. This war is taking place on Ukrainian soil. Ukraine is grateful for all the support from our partners, we are open to any constructive ideas to achieve a just peace for our country. But it is Ukraine that should decide what should and should not be on the agenda to end this war," he said.

Moreover, Zelensky emphasized that the bill for this war should be presented to the Russians, not Ukraine. So that Russia can no longer make its false claims against everyone around - from the Baltic countries to the Balkans. Every country, every leader respecting international law and sitting at this table should understand that predators always demand more and more prey.

He also thanked every leader who defends Ukraine's right to use funds from Russian assets to protect against Russian aggression.

"The Russian state does not value people or morality - it only values money. And therefore, it will also be a lesson for them when Russian assets work in Ukraine. Honestly, it's Ukrainian money. It is in Ukraine that Russian troops have destroyed hundreds of cities and villages. Millions of our people have lost their homes. This requires funds. And now, instead of looking for reasons to delay decisions, un