War shouldn’t be a habit
The interview took place in one of the capital’s metro stations and began with an air raid warning, to which Zelensky drew attention.
“War shouldn’t be a habit. Sometimes we get very used to sirens and we don’t even pay attention and we don’t move to a bomb shelter, somewhere safe. For me, a siren is a reminder that war is not there was such a euphoria when Kiev was unoccupied, Kiev region, but the war is not over and the fact that they do not kill your neighbor or loved one, they kill our military somewhere there, who give life.So, this (siren, – ed.) a reminder that somewhere out there, someone lays down their life for yours” the president noted.
Russians in the information bubble
“For this invasion to work, it was necessary to completely immerse their (Russian – ed.) society in an information bubble that“ there are no Ukrainians ”, that “this is some kind of particle ”, some kind of “periphery” that does not have a its language, its history, “broke off” with the collapse of the Soviet Union, temporarily. Primitive“, – the head of state commented on the mood in Russian society.
I have to fight by the rules
“I’m not sure that war changes us. War is different conditions of existence. Conditions in which stay a man or turn into a beast, terrorist, robber, rapist. We have all seen the consequences of the Russian occupation. War is a choice and it is a difficult choice, one must think, when the hatred of enemies covers you daily. Reject hate, fight by the rules, stay human. This is a difficult choice” Zelensky said.
The President’s Program
“If you are interested in my schedule, I wake up at 05:30-06:00. If something is critical, then I wake up from a call. Then I have a military meeting. A pleasant time when I can talk to my kids on the phone and with my wife. This communication is the moment you can exhale,” he said.
Moreover, Zelensky was asked what exactly he was doing, to which the head of state initially jokingly replied that he had “some things to do.”
“What am I doing? Every day I manage the war, state management of Ukraine from morning till night. Daily. I also like to eat,” she added.
Children in the depths of war
“We don’t need to tell our children anything about victory. They know more about the war than we do. My son is 9 years old, he knows the name of all the weapons and this information is not mine. I am in the depths of this war. I rarely see my children and when I have the opportunity to see them – they are happy no matter what I tell them. It seems to me that it doesn’t matter to them what I tell them, the important thing is that I am there, “he said.
Zelensky added that, on the one hand, Putin can be said to have stolen our children’s childhood. However, the president believes it “Each of us must give something to the state to protect it, our children have given their childhood”.
If Putin dies, there will be no war
Zelensky noted that, unfortunately, a large percentage of Russians believe Putin. The head of state compared it to a closed window behind which one can hide from the war, and called it cowardice.
“And there are people who understand reality, but are just afraid,” Zelensky added.
Furthermore, Zelensky believes that if Putin dies, there will be no war.
“An authoritarian regime is terrible because there is a big risk. Everything cannot depend on one person. Therefore, when such a person leaves (dies – ed.) – institutions stop. The Soviet Union had a such moment, everything stopped. Therefore , I think that if he (Putin, – Ed.) does not exist, it will be difficult for them (Russians, – Ed.), They will be engaged in domestic, not foreign, policy,” he believes.
Russia has become a symbol of emptiness
Zelensky added this no one shakes hands with the current leadership of the Russian Federation, there are no Russians at the competitions, in the cultural space. This, according to the president, is isolation, the only correct demand of the international world to Russia.
“Russia has become a symbol of emptiness, something very unpleasant,” he added.
When will the war end
“No one will tell you how long (the war – ed.) will continue. I am a responsible person and I understand what it means for people to feel when the war is over. This is the main question. I don’t play with things like that. For us, the end of war is when we regain our land and are on our borders.“he underlined.
Zelensky added that ending the war is not a freezing of the conflict, and will end when all of our land is unoccupied.
When the war ends depends on the United States
“The United States is the leader in supporting Ukraine, and without their support it will be difficult for us. Very difficult. And the question “when will the war end?” also depends on this support. To make it (the war – ed) shorter – a more powerful help is needed“Zelensky stressed.
Zelensky also added that if the climate changes in American politics, in Congress, it could greatly affect aid to Ukraine.
“We are fighting for the whole world, for democracy and freedom of the whole world. We know what we are fighting for, the most important thing is for the United States and society to know, not deviate from the course of supporting Ukraine and know that we are also fighting for them,” he added.
Putin is afraid of death and not ready to use nuclear weapons
“Is there a threat of a nuclear attack from Putin? I saw him and I saw his will to live, he loves life very much. He has a long table, sits and is afraid of getting sick with covid. He is afraid of death, love life.” He is ready to use nuclear weapons. He understands that if he does, then the next steps may be from any state to him personally, ”Zelensky said.
I really want the sea and beer
When Zelensky was asked about his plans for the future, he replied that he just wanted to go to the sea.
“Before our victory, I will definitely be president, but I don’t even think about it. I’m not ready. I really want to go to sea when we have already won. And I really want to drink beer, ” he said.
