While the Russia-Ukraine war, which has been on the agenda of the whole world since February 24, and whose effects have been seen not only in Ukraine and Russia, but also worldwide, the President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelenskiy made remarkable statements. Zelenskiy said that not only Russian President Vladimir Putin was responsible for the war, but all Russia was responsible for the war, and also spoke about the ban on Russian citizens’ travel to Europe. Here are the details…
European leaders, in the context of the 17th Bled Strategic Forum hosted by Slovenia, “The dominance of power or the power of the rules?” met at the panel. Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob, Icelandic President Gudni Th. Johannesson, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama attended, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy also attended via video conference.
“PEOPLE WITH THE BLOOD OF UKRAINIAN PEOPLE ON THEIR HANDS…”
Zelenskiy referred to the tragic results of the war launched by Russia on February 24 in his country and noted that Moscow is trying to destroy everything that belongs to Ukraine. Stating that Russia separated Ukrainian children from their families and took them to camps, Zelenskiy said that its citizens were subjected to ill-treatment in these camps.
Zelenskiy said that a large number of people who had a certain involvement in the war in his country traveled to European countries with Russian passports, that “the blood of the Ukrainian people was smeared on their hands” and that this should not be allowed.
Claiming that Russia is threatening the entire region from the Baltic states to Kazakhstan, Zelenskiy argued that an embargo should be applied to all relations as long as the Moscow administration continues the war.
WEAPONS AND AMMUNITION SUPPORT
Noting that the stability of the whole of Europe should be maintained and the freedom of future generations should be taken immediately, Zelenskiy said:
“This means very special things. In order for this war to not last long and for victory to be achieved as soon as possible, Ukraine needs to be provided with weapons and ammunition and adequate defense support. With the necessary sanctions against Russia, the illusion of leadership created by this country will be destroyed, and the free world will be destroyed. “Europe needs to protect itself, its peoples and markets more effectively against hybrid attacks, which Russia resorts to, especially in times of crisis, and uses it as a weapon.”
“ARTIFICIAL PERCEPTION CREATED BY THE ENERGY CRISIS RUSSIA”
Calling for the deepening of cooperation and solidarity for the stability of Europe from the Balkans to the Baltic countries in the face of Russia’s aggression, Zelenskiy claimed that “artificial perceptions such as energy crisis, increased natural gas prices, and famine due to the war were put forward by Russia”. .
Zelenskiy stated that Moscow resorted to these ways to achieve its own ambitions, and said that they were always advised to display a reasonable attitude towards Moscow and to maintain the dialogue, starting with the annexation of Crimea by Russia and until the war. However, Zelenskiy stated that countless Ukrainians were killed and tortured at this point and reminded that these people had to leave their country.
“THEY CHOOSE PUTIN”
“Is the war in Ukraine Russia’s or Russian President Vladimir Putin’s?” Answering the question, Zelenskiy said, “This is one hundred percent Russia’s war, because they chose this person (Putin). We see very few people who are against the war on social media or on the streets. “We cannot hear or see a voice against this regime and this situation. Therefore, this is Russia’s war in Ukraine.” said.
WILL THE TRAVEL OF RUSSIAN CITIZENS TO EUROPE BE PROHIBITED?
Zelenskiy also touched upon the ban on the travel of Russian citizens to Europe and said that the travel of people who want to leave this country for political reasons or because they are against the war in Ukraine or who have to leave their country to contribute to world peace should not be prevented.
Noting that it is not true for people who are not against the war in Ukraine to travel to Europe for reasons such as tourism, education and trade, Zelenskiy also argued that Russia’s statements that it is open to negotiations are “lies”.
IMPORTANT WORDS ABOUT NEGOTIATIONS
“They are not ready for negotiations and they have no such desire. For them, negotiations mean a series of ultimatums, such as recognizing Donbas and Crimea as Russian territory,” Zelensky said. used the phrase.
Stating that Russia is not as strong as it claims, Zelenskiy said, “We have not started the war yet, we are protecting our own land, we are trying to ensure our territorial integrity and we will succeed.” shared his opinion.
PRAISE TO ZELENSKY FROM EUROPEAN LEADERS
Golob, the Prime Minister of the host Slovenia, stated that the events in Ukraine are getting worse and noted that what he heard from Zelenskiy is important for gaining experience.
Drawing attention to energy security, Golob said, “I think Europe can survive without gas from Russia, but this way will not be cheap. This winter, we will have to burn many things other than gas in order to survive.” said.
Icelandic President Johannesson noted that the world needs strong leaders and said Zelenskiy is a very strong person and leader. Johannesson stated that although Iceland is an island country and does not have a land-connected neighbor, the Russia-Ukraine war could pose a risk for his country “like the whole world”.
On the other hand, Croatian leader Plenkovic, who reminded that he made a visit to Ukraine in the past months, stated that Zelenskiy fulfilled his duty very well.
Stating that his country will continue to support Ukraine, Plenkovic said, “Ukraine’s support in the international arena is the guarantee that we will all stand behind Ukraine to the extent of our possibilities. (Ukrainians) must protect their lands and people.” he said. (AA)