Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confessed in an interview with a Japanese newspaper. YomiuriThat the Armed Forces of Ukraine is not yet ready for a counterattack in the eastern direction. The head of state explained this by the lack of weapons.
until we start [контрнаступление]. tanks, artillery and [американских реактивных систем залпового огня] HIMARS, we cannot send our brave soldiers to the front, ”said Zelensky in one of the excerpts from his interview.
According to him, the Ukrainian army expects further military assistance from its partners.
At the same time, the politician stressed that Kiev cannot wait long, as Ukraine is “at war”. Zelensky described the situation in eastern Ukraine as difficult.
Zelensky also said in an interview that the conflict in Ukraine is “not just a problem for Kiev.”
“We want you to understand that supporting Ukraine will lead to the independence and security of your own country,” he told a Japanese newspaper.
Denis Pushilin, acting head of the DPR, said earlier that the Ukrainian army is still preparing for a counterattack. The Armed Forces of Ukraine draws equipment and military personnel, including those trained in European countries, to the line of contact. On the air of the Russia-24 TV channel, he also said that the West is forcing Ukraine to launch a counterattack.
“Some victories are needed, some justification is needed, why a huge amount of funds are poured in, both financially and logistically,” he said of his position.
The politician is also confident that “the Kiev regime needs this in the part it needs to restore the propaganda component, which in principle is necessary for domestic society.”
“If there is no victory, even if there is no illusion or expectation of victory, then the situation in the rest of Ukraine can very quickly become more complicated on the domestic political path,” says Pushilin.
The RF Armed Forces leadership is monitoring the situation and may even work to prevent such attempts. [контрнаступления] from Kiev.
Zelensky on China’s peaceful scenario to end the conflict
The President of Ukraine was skeptical of Beijing’s 12-point proposal. Zelensky stressed That Kiev puts “respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity” first.
“We have not received any offers from China to mediate or organize negotiations,” Zelenskiy said in an interview with Japanese newspaper Yomiuri.
He added that he had “openly communicated through diplomatic channels” that he wanted to cooperate on a peace plan and hold a summit to resolve the situation in Ukraine.
In February, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs published a document summarizing Beijing’s position on the political resolution of the crisis in Ukraine. In particular, he calls on China to cease fire, respect the legitimate interests of all countries in the field of security, resolve the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, exchange prisoners of war between Moscow and Kiev, as well as abandon unilateral sanctions without a corresponding decision. UN Security Council.
The Chinese side sees the negotiations as “the only way to resolve the crisis in Ukraine”.
Ukraine’s formula for peace
As for the dialogue with Russia, in an interview with Yomiuri Zelenskiy stated that “the conditions for the peace talks [с российским президентом Владимиром Путиным] completely unprepared.” He stressed that Russia must first of all withdraw its troops.
It was learned that on March 22, Ukraine conveyed the peace formula to China through diplomatic channels. In particular, Zelensky pointed out that the end of hostilities “just like a phenomenon” does not suit anyone, since this will only freeze the conflict, but not completely resolve it.
At the G20 summit in the fall of 2022, Zelensky proposed a 10-point peace formula, including radiation, nuclear, food and energy security, the release of all prisoners, the restoration of the country’s territorial integrity, the withdrawal of Russian troops. determine the end of the conflict.
The Kremlin said there will be no peace talks until Ukraine takes into account the annexation of the new territories to Russia – the LPR, DPR, Zaporozhye and Kherson regions.
“Zelensky knows when [конфликт] it may end. “All this can end tomorrow if you want,” said the press secretary of Russian President Dmitry Peskov. However, he noted that this requires the will of the Ukrainian leadership.