Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a series of strong statements to Russia which makes you cringe. Starting from Moscow’s hopes that it will not come true to not being afraid of chemical weapons.
Ukraine is still under Russian attack after President Vladimir Putin launched an invasion since February 24. The days after that, explosions and fighting continued.
Kyiv troops are trying their best to defend their country. This attitude is also in line with Zelensky’s statement that he did not want to give up.
Here’s a series of Zelensky statements that were aimed at Russia and made a splash that were compiled CNNIndonesia.com from various sources.
1. Russia only dreams of conquering Ukraine
Zelensky said the dream of Russia controlling Ukraine and perhaps other European countries would not come true.
He made this statement during a virtual speech at the commemoration of the 77th anniversary of Denmark’s liberation from Germany during World War II on Wednesday (4/5).
“The Russian state is not ready to stop the war. They dream of seizing Ukraine and other European countries. They still dream that European freedom will be lost,” Zelensky was quoted as saying. CNN.
He then continued, “Their (Russian) dream will not come true. The dream of peace will come true, as happened 77 years ago.”
2. Call to expel the invaders after Russia sent missiles at the UN
Zelensky once called for expelling the invaders after Russia attacked Kyiv with missiles during a visit to Ukraine by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
“[Serangan ini perlu] appropriate and strong response. We couldn’t believe that the war was over. We still have to fight, we have to repel the invaders,” he said in late April.
3. Not afraid even though Russia uses chemical weapons
Russia has been accused of using chemical weapons in its war against Ukraine.
According to Zelensky, the world should be wary of Putin’s tactics that could turn to using chemical weapons or activating nuclear weapons.
“They can easily use chemical weapons. For them, human life is not important. That’s why we have to be vigilant,” he said.
He then said, “Are we afraid? We must not be afraid, but we must be prepared. But I think this question is not only for Ukraine, but the whole world.”
4. Warn Putin WWIII, if negotiations fail
On March 20, Zelensky warned Putin of the potential for World War III to erupt if the two countries failed to reach a ceasefire.
Russia and Ukraine have repeatedly held negotiations, but there have been no significant results.
“Every opportunity has the possibility of negotiation, the possibility of talking to Putin. But if this attempt fails, it means this is World War Three,” he was quoted as saying. CNN.
5. Russia claims to withdraw troops, Ukraine is not naive
At the end of March, Zelensky had emphasized that the Ukrainian troops and people were not naive people. This comment came after Russia claimed it would reduce attacks in Kyiv and Chernihiv.
“Ukrainians are not naive people. Ukrainians have learned during the 34-day invasion and more than eight years of war in the Donbas,” Zelensky said, as quoted by Reuters on Tuesday (29/3).
6. Ready to face Russia in Donbas
Since March, Russia is said to be focusing its attacks on eastern Ukraine, including the Donbas. Zelensky stressed that he was ready to face the new onslaught of Moscow troops.
“We will give nothing and we will fight every meter of our land,” he said in a video message posted on social media on March 30.
7. Don’t back down against Russia
Amid the ongoing Russian onslaught in Ukraine, Zelensky asked his troops and people not to surrender or retreat to face Moscow’s troops.
“Our people, the Ukrainian people don’t give up, don’t back down. Fight for your rights, fight for your rights, for your freedom for Ukraine,” Zelensky said.
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