Zelensky Urges Europe to Stand with Russia’s Neighbors Amid Growing Kremlin Pressure
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued an urgent appeal to European nations, calling for increased support to countries neighboring Russia that face mounting pressure from Moscow. In his latest address, the Ukrainian leader emphasized the critical importance of solidarity with nations that find themselves in Russia’s sphere of influence and are experiencing various forms of political, economic, and military coercion from the Kremlin.
Zelensky specifically highlighted the need to develop comprehensive support mechanisms for Armenia, Moldova, the Baltic states, Azerbaijan, and the people of Georgia. These countries, each with their own complex history of relations with Moscow, have found themselves navigating increasingly difficult geopolitical terrain since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. The Ukrainian president’s remarks underscore a growing recognition that the conflict in Ukraine is not an isolated event but part of a broader pattern of Russian attempts to reassert influence over former Soviet territories.
The situation in each of these countries presents unique challenges. Moldova, which shares a border with Ukraine, has been dealing with the frozen conflict in Transnistria, a breakaway region where Russian troops have been stationed since the early 1990s. The small nation of just 2.6 million people has experienced energy blackmail, with Russia repeatedly cutting gas supplies, and has faced destabilization attempts through pro-Russian political movements. President Maia Sandu’s government has been pushing for European Union membership, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from Moscow.
Armenia finds itself in an especially precarious position following the 2023 exodus of ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh after Azerbaijan’s military operation reclaimed the disputed territory. Traditionally reliant on Russia for security guarantees through the Collective Security Treaty Organization, Armenia has grown increasingly disillusioned with Moscow’s failure to prevent Azerbaijani advances. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has begun exploring closer ties with the West, including potential EU membership discussions, marking a significant shift in the country’s foreign policy orientation.
The Baltic states — Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania — though protected by NATO membership, continue to face cyber attacks, disinformation campaigns, and military posturing from Russia. These nations, with significant Russian-speaking minorities, have been particularly vocal about the threat posed by Moscow and have been among the strongest supporters of Ukraine. Their historical experience under Soviet occupation gives them unique insight into Russian imperial ambitions, and they have consistently warned Western partners about underestimating the Kremlin’s intentions.
Georgia presents perhaps one of the most complex cases in the region. Despite the 2008 war with Russia, which resulted in the occupation of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, the current Georgian government has taken a notably different approach from its neighbors. The ruling Georgian Dream party has been accused of democratic backsliding and moving closer to Moscow, even as polls consistently show that the Georgian people overwhelmingly support European integration. Zelensky’s specific reference to supporting “the people of Georgia” rather than its government appears to acknowledge this disconnect between the Georgian authorities and their citizens’ aspirations.
European leaders have shown increasing awareness of the need to bolster support for these vulnerable nations. The European Union has already granted candidate status to Moldova and Ukraine, while Georgia’s candidacy remains conditional on democratic reforms. However, critics argue that more concrete measures are needed, including enhanced economic assistance, energy security guarantees, and clearer pathways to NATO membership for eligible countries. The stakes are particularly high as Russia continues to employ hybrid warfare tactics — combining military threats, energy manipulation, cyberattacks, and political interference — to maintain influence over its neighbors.
Zelensky’s appeal comes at a critical juncture in European security architecture. As the war in Ukraine continues into its third year, there is growing recognition that a comprehensive strategy is needed to counter Russian aggression across the entire region. Supporting Russia’s neighbors is not merely an act of solidarity but a strategic imperative for European security. By strengthening these countries’ resilience and integration with Western institutions, Europe can help prevent the expansion of conflict and demonstrate that the era of spheres of influence is over. The coming months will reveal whether European nations are prepared to match their rhetoric with meaningful action to support those living in Russia’s shadow.
