His comments came as Ukraine withdrew from the strategic eastern city of Avdiivka, achieving Russia's most significant regional victory since seizing Bakhmut last spring, and as the killing of opposition leader Alexei Navalny highlighted President Vladimir Putin's brutal repression of the opposition.
Adding to the concern at the annual Munich conference, former President Donald Trump indicated a week ago that he would encourage Russia to attack NATO countries if it did not spend enough on defense, deepening questions about America's reliability in the years ahead.
In Munich, senior US officials, including Vice President Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, tried to reassure allies – although it is not clear whether the move has worked, given the uncertainty over the US election in November and the low numbers. Which President Biden achieved in opinion polls.
Questions about Washington's impasse over aid to Ukraine – and about US global leadership more broadly – dominated the annual secret meeting.
In his speech, Zelensky pointed to the acute shortage of ammunition. He noted dryly that Putin, unlike politicians in the West, moves quickly. “Please all of you remember that tyrants do not go on vacation,” he said.
Zelensky tried to explain the risks without directly calling American officials. Asked by CNN's Christiane Amanpour what he would say to Republicans blocking aid to Ukraine, Zelensky joked: “Is this on TV right now?” Then he said he would not comment.
The Ukrainian leader, known for his fiery speeches and direct appeals, used the time to politely acknowledge U.S. support for Ukraine so far — and to invite a certain Republican presidential candidate for a visit.
Trump's threat against NATO allies who do not spend on defense was only his latest statement to raise concern in Kiev. The former president also claimed he could settle the war within a day, an assertion that has alarmed Ukraine's supporters who fear Ukraine will be forced to hand over large swaths of sovereign territory.
Zelensky said that he would be happy to work with Trump, and also to accompany him. If he comes to Ukraine, Zelensky said: “I am ready to go with him to the front line.”
