In the second month of the Russia-Ukraine war, conflicts continue intensifying in the Donbas region in the east of the country. Ukrainian leader Zelensky shared new information about Mariupol, which has a coast on the Sea of Azov. Zelenskiy, at the press conference held after his meeting with the Prime Ministers of Spain and Denmark, said that the upcoming process will be difficult for eastern Ukraine.
“MANY WOMEN AND KIDS”
Referring to Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu’s statement that they took full control of Mariupol, Zelenskiy said, “I know very well that they took most of Mariupol a long time ago, but there are parts of the city where Ukrainian soldiers stay.” said. Zelensky said, “We have civilians besides our soldiers. Most of them are women and children. About 120,000 civilians are under blockade in Mariupol.” used the phrases.
“WE HAVE 400 WOUNDED SOLDIERS IN THE FACTORY”
Zelenskiy also stated that there are about 400 wounded Ukrainian soldiers in the Azovstal factory in Mariupol, and that they made an offer to the other party to return the said soldiers through exchange.
“WE SAVE THOUSAND SETTLEMENTS”
In his speech at the Portuguese Parliament via video conference, Zelenskiy said, “Russian invaders have already removed at least 500 thousand of our citizens (to Russia) from the lands they occupied. This is deportation, this is what the most terrible totalitarian regimes of the past have done.” used the phrase.
Stating that the documents of the deported Ukrainians were confiscated and they were deprived of communication, Zelenskiy said, “Our citizens are being dispersed to remote regions of Russia.” said.
Zelenskiy emphasized that they liberated about 1000 settlements captured by Russia in a 57-day full-scale war, but there are still more occupied cities and settlements.
Noting that they demanded the peoples of the free world to help their country with weapons in order to defend it against the Russian invasion, Zelenskiy said, “Leopard tanks, armored vehicles, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, these are the things you have and you can help protect Europe’s freedom. Therefore, I am applying to your country to provide us with this assistance. ” he said.
“WE NEED 7 BILLION DOLLARS MONTHLY”
On the other hand, the World Bank and the Ukrainian government held a ministerial roundtable meeting, with some countries represented, to discuss support for Ukraine. Zelenskiy, in the meeting he attended via video conference, talked about the damage caused by Russia’s attack in Ukraine.
Stating that schools, universities, hospitals, businesses and infrastructure were destroyed throughout the country, Zelenskiy said that Russia’s blockade of the Black Sea ports affected Ukraine’s exports and the world’s food security.
“We need $7 billion per month to make up for the economic losses,” Zelenskiy said. said.
Noting that the international community should exclude Russia from international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, Zelenskiy called on all countries to cut relations with Moscow.
“DAMAGE REACHED 60 BILLION DOLLARS”
World Bank President David Malpass, in his speech at the meeting, stated that the physical damage to buildings and infrastructure in Ukraine due to Russia’s attack has reached roughly $60 billion and will increase as the war continues.
Malpass recalled that they have already mobilized more than $3 billion to support the continuation of Ukraine’s basic government services.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva noted that the war was devastating for Ukraine’s economy.
Georgieva stated that it is estimated that in the next 2-3 months, approximately 5 billion dollars a month may be needed in order to keep the government and economy in Ukraine in the midst of the war.
IMF Managing Director Georgieva stressed that more external financing is needed, particularly concessional financing and fast-delivery grants. (AA)