Russia needs pauses before a new strike: Zelenskyy explains why Ukraine needs security guarantees
After the victory of Ukraine in a full-scale war, the Russian Federation will not give up its plans and, quite likely, may prepare a new attack on our country. That is why Kyiv insists on receiving security guarantees before joining NATO.
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said this in an interview with the American TV channel CNN.
– Ukraine needs security guarantees. The world needs security guarantees in Ukraine. Stability depends on this… After our victory, after peace, we don’t want a return to the same situation: it can happen, – said the head of state.
Zelenskyy clarified that the current military and political leadership of the Russian Federation needs “a break in one form or another.” For example, the one that Moscow received after signing the Minsk agreements.
– They need breaks. Then they gather strength, money, and weapons. Then they begin to prepare their society informationally. And when all this is united and ready, they begin the offensive. Because the goal is only one – to destroy our independence. There is no longer any purpose there. That is why we need security guarantees – the President explained.
He noted that the Ukrainian army, by the level of training, and Ukraine by the level of stability of the defense system, are already at least at the level of NATO member states. Therefore, it would be fair for our country to join the bloc.
– Because there are no wars among NATO countries, within NATO. Therefore, this is the safest structure for us. But if this path is longer than we would like because of the personal opinions of other state leaders, then we need security guarantees along the way, -Zelenskyy said.
The President also explained that Russia does not want the war to end now; therefore, it is too early for Western countries to “get tired” of the events in Ukraine. Zelensky added that he had heard only ultimatums from the Kremlin so far.
– Before someone gets tired (of the war – Ed.), everyone should understand that only the Kremlin and one person who presides today in the Russian Federation are not tired of the war… This person and the Russian military-political leadership need a pause; they feel it. They began to feel the result of sanctions, the discontent of their society, -the Head of State said.
He also voiced Ukraine’s position on negotiations with Russia: respect for the UN Charter, the territorial integrity of Ukraine and Ukrainians, and the right to freedom. According to Zelenskyy, Russia must first recognize “that they are occupiers” and pay for the damage caused, “return the land, rights, freedoms, money, and most importantly – justice”.
As you know, in September, recommendations on security guarantees for Ukraine were presented. According to the proposals, the leading group of allied countries could commit to supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine in case of new aggression. A wider group of states would provide non-military guarantees (for example, sanctions).
