Zelensky shared advice the US gave Ukraine before Russia’s invasion
Before the Russian invasion began, the then Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valeriy Zaluzhny received the advice from the US to “dig trenches” as a primary countermeasure. President Volodymyr Zelensky reported this during his speech at the Munich Security Conference.
During his address, Zelensky noted that prior to the invasion, Ukraine called on the international community to act proactively to prevent possible aggression. For this purpose, he sent Valeriy Zaluzhny to the United States to discuss necessary military aid. “We said we needed Javelins, Stingers, and real weapons to stop the Russian army. The most practical advice given at that time was to dig trenches,” Zelensky stated.
This statement sparked active discussion on the strategy of assisting countries on NATO’s eastern flank in case of aggression. Zelensky emphasized that Europe needs a common defense policy and security guarantees from the US. He also highlighted the importance of integrating Ukraine into European security as one of the strongest armies in Europe.
The president also expressed some disappointment with the delays of some partners in providing military assistance. At the conference, US Secretary of State Rubio underscored the historical ties between the US and Europe and invited cooperation in various fields, emphasizing the importance of joint opposition to Russian aggression.
| Key Points |
|---|
| Zelensky spoke at the Munich Security Conference |
| The US advised Ukraine to dig trenches before the invasion |
| Ukraine needs a common European defense policy |
| Ukraine’s integration into NATO remains a current issue |
| The US calls for cooperation with Europe against Russian aggression |
