President Volodymyr Zelenskyy does not consider Ukrainians and Russians to be one people, but believes that Russians are against escalations and bloody expansions. He told about this in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine.
has compiled the top 5 outstanding statements of the President.
Ukrainians and Russians are not one people
Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that Ukrainians and Russians have a lot in common, but they are not one people.
"We have a common part of history, memory, neighborhood, relatives, a common victory over fascism, and common tragedies. Yes, all this is extremely important, and we remember this. And, perhaps, we will have something in common in the future, if it is not too late to stop the total separation between our countries. But we, I repeat once again, are not one people."
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
President of Ukraine
Zelenskyy added that if Ukrainians and Russians were one people, then a yellow-blue flag would most likely fly in Moscow. But he considers ending the war in Donbas and returning its territory to Ukraine as a common goal.
"And one more thing—it is impossible to simultaneously talk about "one people" and openly seize our territories and continue the carnage in Donbas. It's obvious," he added.
The Russian people definitely do not want any escalations and bloody expansions
According to Zelenskyy, if taking an impartial look at public sentiment in Russia, then a clear and large-scale public expectation of decisions to actually end the war against Ukraine is obvious.
"The Russian people definitely do not want any escalations and bloody expansions. Recall the wave of sincere interest that arose immediately after I suggested the President of Russia meet and find a path to peace. This is not an artificial interest, these are the real expectations."
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
President of Ukraine
He added that the propaganda machine that has been working in Russia for a long time drives people into a complete lack of understanding of the rules of the modern world and into hatred towards their neighbors. This is reflected in the state policy of Russia.
"Perhaps, if the Russian President himself gets out from under the influence of this propaganda picture, it will be obvious that we really have something to talk about. Not about myths, but about realities," Zelenskyy said.
All issues regarding Ukraine are resolved only in Ukraine and by the Ukrainian state
Zelenskyy stated that all issues regarding Ukraine are resolved only in Ukraine and by the Ukrainian state. According to Zelenskyy, the thesis about any "external control" is an exclusively propaganda mantra for the inner consumer in Russia itself.
«In the real world, all issues regarding Ukraine are resolved exclusively in Ukraine and by the Ukrainian state, and certainly not in any neighboring country and certainly not by "shadow intermediaries" who are now under house arrest or wanted.»
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
President of Ukraine
He added that, as the recent US-Russia summit showed, the issue of Ukraine is not being resolved even in the format of direct communication between the American and Russian Presidents. As almost always.
"Consulting with Ukraine before the summit and public voicing of the position agreed with us. This clearly indicates that the subjectivity of our state has increased significantly. Why did this happen? Because the state subjectivity always grows when you are ready to publicly, regularly and at the systemic level to defend the position of your state. And not to exchange the reputation of the state for some kind of situational profits for you personally," he said.
Zedenskyy added that he is ready to meet with Russian President Putin if the latter is really interested in solving a number of crisis issues that objectively exist in bilateral relations between Ukraine and Russia.
Ukraine's integration into the European and Euro-Atlantic communities is a matter of great concern for Russians
According to the President, integration is a matter of great concern for Russians and looks like an obsession.
«But, speaking objectively, all the formats of the exercises that take place with the participation of our partners have not been worked out today or yesterday. For example, Sea Breeze has been held since 1997. How could one use the term "military assimilation" in this? It is very strange. Because—this is about the historical choice of Ukraine.»
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
President of Ukraine
Zelenskyy added that Ukraine, like any sovereign state, independently chooses how to ensure the realization of its own national interests. Especially in terms of security.
"Perhaps someone got used to the fact that it was different before. But once again: the key is the subjectivity of the state, and Ukraine is definitely a subject of global politics. It is distinguished by a clear understanding of its interests, needs and a proactive position in defending these interests," he said.
NATO theme for Russia is like an antiquated childhood fear
Zelenskyy likened Moscow's harsh reaction to NATO to an antiquated childhood fear.
«In my opinion, it's like constantly talking about an antiquated fear from childhood that someone terrible will come out of the closet at night and scare you. But no one is in the closet. It's just a closet.»
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
President of Ukraine
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