President Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said it would not comply with Russia’s ultimatum. If Russia want his request fulfilled, it must destroy Ukraine first.
“Ukraine cannot fulfill Russia’s ultimatum. We must be destroyed first, then their ultimatum will be fulfilled,” he quoted AFP, Tuesday (22/3).
Previously, Russia gave an ultimatum to the Ukrainian government to hand over the Kharkiv, Mariupol and Kyiv regions.
Zelensky insisted that Ukraine would not give up the territory. Even the locals didn’t want to give up.
“Or I as president can’t do this either,” Zelensky said.
On the previous occasion, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, Iryna Vereshchuk also emphasized that the port city of Mariupol would not be handed over to Russia.
“There is no question or question about surrendering and laying down arms. We have informed the Russians about this,” Vereshchuk said.
Mariupol is a city that has been bombarded by Russia since the invasion was launched on February 24. Many local residents now lack food, water and electricity.
The Russian army had forced Ukrainian citizens to surrender and go to its territory last Sunday (20/3).
The Russian National Defense Management Center claims to have evacuated 59,304 residents in the city of Mariupol. He also said as many as 330,686 citizens had been taken away from Ukraine since the invasion began.
However, Russia’s behavior angered Ukraine. Vereshchuk said Russia’s attitude included forcing Mariupol citizens to be evacuated.
(AFP/bmw/bmw)
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