Putin Has 220 Brigades, Zelenskyy Warns. Without Ukraine, Europe Faces Occupation

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Europe will be at risk of Russian occupation if Ukraine does not prevail—but Kyiv cannot win without US support, he said in an interview with The Economist on February 12.

According to Zelenskyy, Russia currently has 220 combat brigades, each consisting of 3,500 to 5,000 troops. While Moscow has suffered heavy losses among its officers, these brigades continue to function, with young soldiers receiving training and combat experience.

Zelenskyy compared Russia’s forces with those of Ukraine, which has 110 brigades, and Europe, which has just 80.

“Do you understand what’s happening? Without Ukraine, Europe will be occupied. Without US assistance, [Putin] will gradually consume us because we are half their size. To occupy us, he would need to be three times bigger. These are the laws of land warfare. When attacking, you need a 3-to-1 ratio to conquer, seize, and destroy,” Zelenskyy said.

He stressed that to occupy Ukraine, Russia would need 330 brigades, not 220. He also pointed out that Europe’s 80 brigades would be no match for a Russian offensive. Ukraine, he said, is not only defending itself but also holding back a million-strong Russian army.

“If tomorrow Putin says, ‘I’m no longer coming for you, I’m going after Europe instead,’ what will Europe do?” Zelenskyy asked.

Earlier, Zelenskyy stated that if the United States and Russia engage in talks about ending the war without Ukraine’s participation, Kyiv will not recognize any such agreements.