‘Putin will not stop’: Zelenskyy warns world on 4th year of Russian invasion of Ukraine
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In the fourth year of Russia’s endless war with his country, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has a strong message: “Nobody is safe in the world.”
This observation comes as Russia continues to attack Ukraine on a nightly basis, targeting the country’s power grid and energy system with drones and missiles, and as recent talks to try to negotiate a ceasefire were broken off with little progress.
Zelenskyy told Radio-Canada’s Céline Galipeau in an interview over the weekend in Kyiv ahead of the anniversary that it is more important now than ever that Ukraine’s allies do not lose focus on the conflict. – continued military aid and support to Kyiv, despite the otherr disputes and conflicts in the world.
“Because Putin will not stop.”
Thank you Canada
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for what Canada has done for Ukraine since the conflict began.
Canada took the oath in December use another one $200 million for Ukrainian military equipmentsecondly it bought equipment for Ukraine through the international mechanism established by NATO. It made the first pledge of $680 million last August.
“I personally am very grateful to everyone who supported us. It doesn’t mean anything big or small.” he said. “If we can trust that we will continue, we will be grateful because the war is not over yet.”“
Ottawa aagain recently announced a billion dollar investment in Canada defense industry and Zelenskyy says talks with Prime Minister Mark Carney about shared interests have been positive.
“We understood each other from day one. I am very grateful for him.”
The scandal of corruption
But the allies also expressed their anger towards Zelenskyy$100-million US corruptiona scandal that could put ongoing financial aid at risk.
Kyiv has been embroiled in a scandal over alleged control of contracts at a state-run nuclear company involving tens of millions of dollars in fraud and stolen money. It emerged late last year when residents were dealing with power outages caused by Russian bombs.
The country’s justice minister and energy minister both resigned in November, though each denied wrongdoing. This is Zelenskyy’s place the chief of staff resigned a few weeks later.
Although Zelenskyy was not directly involved in this scandal, it is a big challenge for his government, as this leader was elected seven years ago mainly with the message of fighting corruption.
“Look, you are living in a time of war, you will have many challenges,” he said. “And you won’t finish today [corruption]or tomorrow.”
He said the important thing is that there is an existing infrastructure to fight it.
“[The people] have to do their job. That’s all.”
But he said it is important that the world does not stop supporting Ukraine, because they could be the next country that needs help.
“We are stopping Putin now. We have to be aware of the truth.”
He says that the truth is that Russia already has missiles that can travel 5,000 kilometers. He warned that in three years, that will be the same as 10,000 kilometers.
So if he can do it here, why can’t he do it in other countries?”
After four years of war, Radio-Canada’s Céline Galipeau asks Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy if he thinks talks with Russia will work, what he is willing to do and who can really stop the fighting in Ukraine.
Under pressure
US President Donald Trump took office last year announcing that he could end the war in one day. Since then, his government has initiated unsuccessful negotiations aimed at reaching a ceasefire agreement, insulted Zelenskyy in front of the cameras in the Oval Office, too welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to the US with great joy. Nevertheless, Zelenskyy believes that Trump is the one who can help end the conflict.
“Politically, yes, because he is the president of the United States.”
The latest round of US-brokered talks between delegates from Moscow and Kyiv concluded with Zelenskyy blaming Russia “trying to drag out negotiations” to continue its attacks.
Deep political differences exist, including the future of the land in eastern Ukraine that is occupied by Russian troops and that Putin wants to keep, Zelenskyy said.
And Zelenskyy has been under pressure from Trump to give up territory in Ukraine, something Zelenskyy says he won’t do.
“We are ready to agree … not about decisions from Russia,” he said.
“To withdraw without any kind of reasons, just to withdraw from our territory, our land, from our constitution – not only from our law, international law,” he said. “Just withdrawing… between us, is stupid.”
But Zelenskyy is not convinced that Putin is negotiating in good faith. He said that Russia must come to the table because Putin must at least show to the US that he supports this effort, to show that he supports dialogue and the idea of ending the war.
“But I think they are playing games with President Trump. I think so. But it is up to him to see or not.”
On the other hand, along with his fellow citizens, Zelenskyy says he believes that the people of Ukraine are willing to make an agreement to end the fighting.g, although he did not specify what that might entail.
“I think people are ready for any compromise where they don’t lose the dignity and independence of the country.”
