Zelensky urges world to pressure Russia for diplomatic resolution to war in Ukraine – BBC
Photo: Rubryka
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the Russian Federation could be forced to settle the war in Ukraine diplomatically. Therefore, the world should put pressure on Russia to come to the negotiating table to end the war.
Zelensky said this in an interview with the BBC.
Negotiations with the Russian Federation
The newspaper notes that, in Zelensky's opinion, the whole world should pressure Russia to persuade it to sit at the negotiating table and consider the possibility of ending the war.
"It doesn't mean that all territories are won back by force. I think the power of diplomacy can help," he said.
Zelensky added that a weaker Russia on the battlefield would strengthen Ukraine's position at the negotiating table.
"By putting pressure on Russia, I think it is possible to agree to a diplomatic settlement," the president emphasized.
In the interview, Zelensky also spoke about the estimated time of his resignation from the post of president.
The journalist asked him if the moment when Zelenskyi will not be able to continue being the president is possible. He answered that yes because "we are all people."
He also admitted that he could transfer power to someone else but stressed that this would happen only after the end of the war with Russia.
"We have to end it (the war — ed.). We have to put an end to him (Volodymyr Putin — ed.). I think this is very important for our people and our country," Zelensky said.
Zelensky about Trump's presidency
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said that if Donald Trump is re-elected as US President, Ukraine will work with his new team and is not afraid of "hard work."
Zelensky also responded to the words of James Vance, whom Trump offered to become his vice president. A few days before the full-scale invasion, he declared that he "doesn't care what fate awaits Ukraine" and later criticized military aid to Kyiv.
According to the head of the Ukrainian state, Vance may not "understand what goes on in Ukraine, so we have to work with the United States." That is why, they say, Ukraine should work with the USA, even if Trump's team comes to power because Kyiv needs Washington's help.
"[It will be] hard work, but we are hard workers," added Zelensky.
About F-16 aircraft
Ukraine had hoped that the arrival of F-16 jets promised by allies this summer would boost its military efforts, but so far, Ukraine has not seen them.
"It's been 18 months, and the planes haven't reached us," he said, noting that he was grateful for what was given to Ukraine.
However, the president emphasized that the new fighter jets were necessary to help the Ukrainians defeat Russia's dominance in the air and "unblock the sky."
Earlier, Zelensky stated that Ukraine requires a minimum of 128 F-16 fighter jets to establish a formidable air presence and compete with Russia.
"We had a decision about 10-20. Even if there are 50, it's nothing. We defend ourselves, we need 128. This is the fleet," Zelensky said at the Ronald Reagan Institute in Washington.
For reference:
It should be noted that analysts of the Institute for the Study of War point out that Ukraine's demands regarding the peace plan are justified, while Russia's demands violate international law.
44% of residents of the rear of Ukraine believe that the time has come to start official peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, while 35% are convinced that this is not the case. At the same time, the absolute majority of respondents do not agree with the conditions of Russia's head, Vladimir Putin.
