Europe must show unity and adopt a “peace through strength” approach to confront aggression from Russia and its allies, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on November 7 at the European Political Community Summit in Budapest.

European leaders have gathered in Budapest amid growing uncertainty about Donald Trump’s victory in US elections it will mean allies’ support for Ukraine and European security.

There are fears that the new US president could reduce support for Ukraine and seek a deal with the Kremlin at the price of concessions to Ukraine.

Recalling his recent phone call with Trump, Zelensky acknowledged uncertainty about future US actions but expressed hope for a “stronger America” ​​that Europe needs.

“There should be no illusions that a just peace can be bought by showing weakness,” Zelensky said. “Peace is a reward only to the mighty.”

Ukrainian officials tried to put a positive spin on Trump’s victory, expressing hopes for a new vigor in Washington’s decision-making process and invoking memories of a former Republican US president known for his sober attitude towards Moscow, Ronald Reagan.

“Since the July summit of the European Political Community in Great Britain, there has been a lot of talk about Putin giving in, withdrawing and making some ‘concessions'”, the president noted.

“This is unacceptable for Ukraine and suicidal for all of Europe.”

Zelensky asked rhetorically whether Europe should also seek favors from North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, who has supplied ammunition and troops to Russia, in order to achieve peace.

Kiev has previously criticized the West for its lack of response after the revelations that Pyongyang sent around 10,000-12,000 soldiers to join the war in an unprecedented escalation.

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“No strong leader who helped build a united, strong and peaceful Europe could imagine such a thing.”

Zelensky again called on European partners to support Ukraine’s 10-point peace formula to end the war, emphasizing nuclear, energy and food security and the release of prisoners as key steps.

“Ukraine is grateful for all the support from our partners and we are open to any constructive ideas to achieve a just peace for our country,” the president said.

“But it is Ukraine that must decide what should and should not be on the agenda.”

Ukraine is in an increasingly precarious position in the war as Russian forces continue to advance in the Donetsk region, while the future of Western support under Trump’s presidency looks increasingly uncertain.

During the campaign, Trump claimed that if he returned to the White House, he would end Russia’s war in Ukraine within “24 hours.” He alluded to his message again as he delivered it victory speechtelling his cheering supporters, “I will stop wars.”

The Wall Street Journal reported that the plan could involve delaying Ukraine’s NATO membership by at least 20 years, freezing the war along current front lines and establishing a demilitarized zone in the east.

Zelensky commented that Russia’s aggression showed the weakness of the concept of neutrality, as demonstrated by the rapid accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO.

“Finland and Sweden’s rapid accession to NATO showed how European and Alliance leaders actually envision guaranteed security – not in words, but through NATO. Ukraine has taken note of this”.