“Security guarantees and neutrality, the status of a nuclear-weapon-free state for our country. We are ready to go to that. That is the most important point. It was the first point of principle for the Russian Federation, as far as I remember. , “Zelensky said in an interview with several independent Russian media outlets.
He gave the interview to Ivan Kolpakov, editor-in-chief of Medusa, Tikhon Dzhadko, editor-in-chief of Dozhj, journalist and writer Mikhail Zigarch, who also asked a question from Dmitry Muratov, editor-in-chief of Novaya Gazeta, and Vladimir Kommersant. Solovyovam. Russia’s media watchdog, Roskomnadzor, has demanded that the interview not be published and said it has begun an investigation into the responsibility of the media interviewed by Zelensky.
The agreement on neutrality and security guarantees must be a serious document, not like the 1994 Budapest memorandum, which was intended to guarantee Ukraine’s territorial indivisibility in exchange for Kiev’s renunciation of nuclear weapons, the President of Ukraine emphasized.
“So this point is a point about security guarantees for Ukraine. But since they say they are guarantees for them too, I understand that. (..) “We are interested in turning this paper into a serious agreement,” said Zelensky.
He added that Ukraine could take a decision on neutral status in a referendum, as it would take at least a year for the constitutional amendments to be adopted.
“There must be a referendum in Ukraine. Why? Because we have a law on referendums. Security guarantees a neutral status, but they are amendments to the constitution. (..) A referendum is a faster step than amending the constitution. Therefore, a referendum, because only the people can decide. “The referendum will take place in several months, but the amendments to the constitution will take place in at least a year, according to our current legislation,” the President of Ukraine explained.
He also said that Ukraine’s goal now is to restore the situation that existed before the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24.
“I understand that forcing Russia to completely liberate its territories is not possible, it will lead to World War III. I fully understand and are aware of that. So I also say – this is a compromise. Return to where it all started, and then we will try to solve the difficult situation. Donbass question, “said Zelensky.
He also rejected Poland’s proposal to deploy a NATO peacekeeping force in Ukraine.
“I do not yet fully understand this proposal. We do not need a frozen conflict on our territory, I explained this during a meeting with my Polish colleagues. I know that they continued this rhetoric,” he said.
“Fortunately or unfortunately, it is our country for the time being, but I am the president, so we will decide for the time being whether there will be these or other forces here,” he stressed.
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