Zelensky urges decisive global action against Putin's aggression
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, in an interview with "Le Parisien," expressed his conviction that Russia, under Putin's rule, has terrorized the world and allowed itself to act with impunity. He also noted that Ukraine lacks the military forces needed to retake Crimea and Donbas.
In his conversation with "Le Parisien," Zelensky reiterated that Russia, under Vladimir Putin's rule, has terrorized the world, acting with impunity. He admitted that Ukraine currently does not have the strength to recapture Crimea and Donbas, which Russia occupies.
We can only rely on diplomatic pressure from the international community to force Putin into negotiations, he said.
President Zelensky acknowledged that the Ukrainian army does not have sufficient forces to regain Donbas and Crimea but stressed that he does not consider ceding these territories to Russia. The constitution prohibits Ukraine from such actions, compelling leaders to rely on international diplomatic pressure for negotiations with Russia. Zelensky pointed out the inadequate response from the Western world to Russia's aggressive actions under Putin.
Zelensky expressed surprise at why the West, despite supporting Ukraine, deals with Putin so cautiously.
Why weren't we massively supplied with weapons from the beginning of the war? What I'm saying may seem bold. However, I have the impression that everyone is terrorized by Putin's Russia. He acts with impunity, he emphasized.
According to Zelensky, any peace talks with Putin must be supported by a joint action plan or a peace proposal for Russia. He emphasized that potential negotiations cannot be conducted without the active participation of Ukraine, which has been a victim of aggression. He also referred to Donald Trump's election as president of the USA, expressing hope that his administration would continue to support Kyiv and contribute to ending the conflict.
Zelensky on Putin: This is not political games but missile attacks
The President of Ukraine noted that Putin is not engaged in political games but is launching missile attacks.
Why does the whole world allow him to do this? The United States, India, the European Union... - he enumerated.
In response to a question about the possibility of Ukraine withdrawing from joining NATO, Zelensky asked what his country would "receive in exchange" and "who can guarantee that Putin will not return to Ukraine."
Zelensky firmly excludes "freezing" the conflict with Russia, even if Trump were to take office. He believes that reaching a quick agreement with Russia may carry risks and that Ukraine does not intend to give up its sovereignty for diplomatic gains. The President stresses that a long-term strategy, not temporary solutions, is necessary.
Zelensky argues that the world is not reacting decisively enough to Putin's nuclear threats.
All possible sanctions should be adopted to prevent any leader – Putin or anyone else – from even contemplating it (i.e., nuclear war - ed. PAP). Unfortunately, we do not see decisive enough reactions, he said.
