According to the report from Ukraine's Pravda, President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not preparing for peace negotiations but is instead ramping up military efforts, with plans to expand Russia’s army by more than 100,000 troops.
In his evening address, Zelensky stressed that intelligence reports confirm Russia is forming new military divisions and increasing weapons production.
He also highlighted growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, particularly in drone technology.
Zelensky’s remarks came after meeting Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, the newly appointed Chair of the NATO Military Committee, who visited Ukraine for the first time on February 8.
Their discussion included preparations for the upcoming Ramstein-format meeting, where military aid and defense strategies are coordinated among Ukraine’s allies.
According to Zelensky, Russia’s latest moves indicate that Putin is not only continuing the war against Ukraine but may also have broader military ambitions.
He urged Western nations to take this threat seriously, emphasizing that European countries must strengthen their defenses.
Zelensky also called on global partners to recognize Russia’s growing military expansion and prepare accordingly.
He warned that defense spending targets, such as allocating 5% of GDP to military budgets, will remain a necessary priority for Europe in the foreseeable future.