Zelenski: We will not compromise our lands for peace
Zelenski: “We have chosen this path. We want security guarantees. Any territorial concessions will make us a weaker country”
Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky said they would not compromise their territory in any possible peace deal with Russia.
Speaking to the BBC as the anniversary of the Russian invasion approaches, Zelensky argued that the compromised territory could mean Russia’s “repeated return” and that Western weapons bring peace closer.
Zelenski also noted that the expected spring attack has already begun.
“Russian attacks from several directions have already begun,” Zelensky said.
However, Zelensky reiterated his call for more military assistance from the West, noting that Ukrainian forces could resist Russia’s advance until a counterattack was carried out.
“Of course modern weapons are accelerating peace,” Zelenski told the BBC. “The only language Russia understands is weapons,” he said.
Zelenski met with the British Prime Minister and EU leaders last week as part of his search for international support. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said “everything is on the table” when the Ukrainian leader asked for modern warplanes.
But the Kiev administration is increasingly disturbed by the speed of arrival of Western weapons. It is stated that it may still take weeks for the tanks promised by many Western countries, especially Germany, the USA and England, to go to the front last week.
Zelenskiy also responded to Belarusian leader Aleksandr Lukashenko’s threat that if even a single Ukrainian soldier crosses the border, he will go to war with Russian troops.
“I hope they don’t go to war. If they go in, we fight and we survive,” he said.
Russian forces began an all-out invasion of Ukraine 12 months ago, marching south towards the capital, Kiev, but retreating within weeks after inflicting heavy losses.
When asked if he was surprised by Russia’s war tactics, Zelensky described him as “worthless”.
Volodymyr Zelensky “Methods of destroying everything. If his soldiers are taking and following these orders, it shows that they share the same values.
Russian troops in Ukraine suffer their heaviest losses since the first week of the invasion, according to data released by Ukraine this week. These data have not been independently verified, but the UK Ministry of Defense has stated that the trends are “probably” correct.
“Our survival today is our unity,” said Zelenskiy, and when asked how the war would end, he said, “I believe Ukraine is fighting for survival.” The leader of Ukraine also stated that his country is moving towards Europe in terms of both economy and values.
“We have chosen this path. We want security guarantees. Any territorial concession will make us a weaker country. The issue here is not the concession itself. Why should we fear it? We make millions of concessions every day in life. Who is being given to Putin? No because there is no trust. With him dialogue? No. Because there is no trust.”
