Zelenskyy: Retreat in Donetsk will divide society

Zelenskyy warns of risk of split over retreat in Donetsk

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that a possible retreat of Ukrainian troops in Donetsk could divide Ukrainian society, while the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has no intention of stopping the war.

Details of the application

According to the head of state, the Kremlin has already launched what he called the beginning of the Third World War, and Ukraine is actually restraining its unfolding on a global scale.

The President stressed that Ukraine's victory is measured not only by the return of territories.

«Victory is not only about territory, but above all about preserving people and independence,» Zelenskyy stressed.

About the situation at the front

The Head of State acknowledged that the rapid return of the entire occupied territory is currently unrealistic.

According to him, an attempt to do this by force immediately could cost Ukraine millions of lives due to Russia's significant military superiority.

At the same time, Zelenskyy stressed Ukraine's critical dependence on international assistance.

«Ukraine lacks weapons now, and much depends on its partners,» he said.

A signal from the West

The President also called on the US and its allies to take a tougher stance against the Kremlin.

He stressed that the policy of appeasement of the aggressor will not work, and Russia will continue to escalate.

«In my opinion, the Americans should stop the Russians, not try to please them, because the Russians will lie anyway,» Zelenskyy said.

The President stressed separately:

«I am not a dictator and I did not start the war.».

Context.

Against the backdrop of the protracted war against Ukraine, Kyiv regularly emphasises the need for increased military assistance from its partners. The Ukrainian government warns that a delay in support could affect the situation at the front and the security of Europe.

At the same time, according to Zelenskyy, Putin's reluctance to end the war does not mean that the conflict cannot be resolved with proper international pressure.