President Volodymyr Zelensky believes that the Russian offensive in eastern Ukraine has already begun. He also ruled out Ukraine giving up any territory in a potential peace deal with Russia.
Source: Zelensky in an interview BBC
About offensive
Zelenskiy said in an interview with foreign journalists that the predicted offensive had already begun.
Direct speech: “Russian attacks are already taking place on several fronts.”
Details: It should be noted that earlier Zelensky noted that the enemy did not stop active hostilities in eastern Ukraine. Thus, he believes that the Russian offensive in the east never stopped.
The President believes that Ukrainian troops can continue to resist the Russian offensive until they can launch a counteroffensive.
Before the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, he noted that concessions on territories would mean Russia could “keep coming back” and Western weapons would bring peace closer.
Direct speech: “Modern weapons accelerate peace. Weapons are the only language that Russia understands.”
About Belarus
Zelensky also responded to a threat from self-proclaimed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to wage war on the side of Russian troops from his territory if even a single Ukrainian soldier crosses the border.
Direct speech: “I hope that (Belarus – ed.) will not join (the war – ed.). If this happens, we will fight and we will survive.”
Details: He added that allowing Russia to use Belarus again as a springboard for an attack would be “a huge mistake.”
When asked if he was surprised by Russia’s tactics in the war, Mr. Zelensky called them “insignificant.”
Direct speech: “The way they destroyed everything. If their soldiers received (and carried out – ed.) these orders, it means that they share the same values.”
On territorial concessions and negotiations with the Russian Federation
According to Zelensky, Ukraine is now fighting for its survival and moving towards Europe both economically and through its values.
Direct speech: “We have chosen this path. We want security guarantees. Any territorial compromises will make us weaker as a state.”
It’s not about compromise. Why should we be afraid of this? We have millions of compromises in life every day.
The question is with whom? With Putin? No, because there is no trust. Dialogue with him? No. Because there is no trust.”
