Zelensky warns 20 million Ukrainians could reach Europe if Ukraine falls

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told a press conference at the EU summit in Brussels that 20 million Ukrainians could come to Europe if Ukraine is defeated, as Putin would “destroy us and drive us out.” He also asked partners for anti-ballistic missiles to protect Ukraine’s energy facilities.

Speaking at a press conference on the sidelines of the EU summit in Brussels on Oct. 16, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned European leaders about the consequences of a possible Ukrainian defeat. “What happens if we fall? I don’t know, 20 million Ukrainians will come to Europe,” he said, adding that Putin would destroy Ukrainians and drive them out of the country.

Zelensky said the issue was not withdrawing from Donbas but the survival of the Ukrainian state, arguing that Moscow would not stop at the eastern regions and would keep pursuing its goals unless stopped. If Ukraine falls, Europe would face threats far greater than a few drones, he said.

“As long as Ukraine stands, escalation will be smaller”

Zelensky said Europe was united and understood that the risks were not only Ukraine’s. He pointed to Russian drone incursions into EU airspace affecting five or six countries and said Russia was “testing” Europe. Europeans understand that as long as Ukraine stands, escalation with Russia will be smaller, he said.

A bus carrying Ukrainians at the Polish border (file photo, 2022)

Anti-ballistic missiles instead of an energy truce

“If there is no energy ceasefire, give us anti-ballistic missiles so that I can protect my energy facilities,” Zelensky said, adding that Ukraine did not need many, only enough for the duration of the diesel deal. He said Kyiv had offered to halt strikes on Russian refineries in exchange for systems to protect its energy infrastructure from ballistic attacks but never received them, and called the U.S.-Russia diesel deal a surprise.

Ukraine resumed strikes on Russian oil refineries after a three-day pause that followed a U.S. “energy ceasefire” initiative. U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the strikes, saying they only push up world oil prices.

Zelensky warns 20 million Ukrainians could reach Europe if Ukraine falls