Prezident Zelenskiy on NATO, closing the sky, three key demands of Russia and the stance of the Western powers: a big interview
On Monday, March 7th, the president of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskiy gave an interview on ABC News.
About closing the sky over Ukraine
President Zelenskiy discussed this most important point for Ukraine with Joe Biden. The Biden Administration is being pressured by the major players of American politics, who demand the support for Ukraine. Nevertheless, the United States officially refuse to close the airspace above Ukraine, being cautious of a great war and direct military conflict with Russia.
Being objected with an argument that in case of taking such a decision American soldiers will be forced to shoot down Russian aircraft, the president replied:
"What about missiles? Yesterday, for instance, a missile hit a university building in Kharkiv and a dormitory. The same kind of a missile hit a pediatric hospital in Kyiv. If a missile is flying, can you hesitate as to whether to shoot it down or not? I think there is no other answer but YES. Yes, they must be shot down. Lives must be saved."
In addition, the president detailed that Ukraine addressed the United States and other countries, pleading for them to provide Ukraine with Soviet-era military aircraft that can be manned by Ukrainian pilots.
"We know where these planes are located, in which countries. We addressed them. And I hope that the United States can help us in this regard today" - said Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
He asserted that president Joe Biden can exercise such powers.
"I am convinced that the President can do more. I know he can. And I want to believe he is capable of doing that", - said the Head of State.
On Russian demands and NATO
Recognizing Crimea as a part of Russia, temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk and Lugansk regions as independent and refusal to join NATO constitute three key demands of Russia. Volodymyr Zelenskiy commented on them as follows:
"This is an ultimatum. We need dialogue instead. I am ready for negotiations but not for capitulation. Vladimir Putin has to understand that and leave his information bubble where he has nothing to breathe with".
He also commented on joining NATO.
"With regard to NATO, I have cooled down on this question after we realized that NATO is not ready to admit Ukraine. The Alliance is afraid of controversies and confronting the Russian Federation.
We never wanted to be a country that kneels down to beg for something. And we will never be such a country and I will never be such a president.
The president emphasized that today Ukraine is a territory of freedom. Everyone who shares the values of freedom must commit to protect us because these are their values too.
"It seems to many that we are far away from the United States, from Canada or wherever else. No, Here is war now. It might be Lithuania tomorrow, then Poland, then Germany. We will be first, you will be next. The appetite increases during feast - and grows larger and larger."
Recommended articles
2 min
War
The simultaneous stay of visitors in the hotel lobby not more than one person per 10 square meters of serviceable area is allowed.
Persons can visit hotels and stay there (outside hotel room) only if they wear respirator or face mask (including homemade mask), so that the nose and mouth are covered.
Hotel guests are obliged to keep the 1.5 meters distance.
Online check-in making in advance is recommended to avoid queues at check-in to hotel.
Meals in hotels are provided through meals delivery service to rooms upon prior order or at hotel restaurants situated inside or in open areas, provided the distance of at least 1.5 meters between seats at adjacent tables.
Not more than 4 clients are allowed to stay at the table (excluding children under 14 years old). Unless these tables are separated by a special partition;
Self-serve is not allowed.