Zelensky Gives Interview to The Washington Post. Talks Possible Invasion and International Aid

The president noted that the invasion of Ukraine has been going on for eight years already.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gave an interview to the American publication The Washington Post.

In the course of the conversation with the journalist, Zelensky answered questions about the security situation in Ukraine and Europe, the consequences of recent cyberattacks, countering hybrid threats, the likelihood of Russia escalating its armed aggression against Ukraine, and the imposition of sanctions and other measures by international partners in the event of such an escalation.

Hybrid War Against Ukraine

Zelensky said that Ukraine today is forced not only to hold back Russia's aggression on its borders, but also to protect its digital space from cyberattacks.

“We are in a hybrid war. We are being attacked: military attacks, cyberattacks and energy attacks,” Zelensky said.

The president responded to a journalist's question about which war causes greater concern, the one waged with weapons or the hybrid one, and whether Russia is behind the recent cyberattacks on Ukrainian government websites.

Volodymyr Zelensky
President of Ukraine

Our specialists have told me that there is a very high probability that the cyberattack is coming from Russia. This is not the first and not the last cyberattack. If we compare which war is more dangerous, cyber or conventional war, it is hard for me to say. I believe that missile strikes and air attacks pose a much greater threat. The consequences of war are more severe than the consequences of a cyberattack.

The head of state also emphasized that in defending its territorial integrity and sovereignty, Ukraine is not alone and receives support from partner countries, including the United States of America.

Without disclosing details, Zelensky stated that military support from the administration of US President Joseph Biden is at present “stronger than it was before.”

“Dialogue with the Russian Federation, but not war”

The United States of America could help Ukraine find a format for negotiations with Russia to establish peace in Donbas, Zelensky said.

“Let us hold a dialogue with Russia. I ask the United States to help us find a format. We support dialogue, we are against war,” the president said.

The president also emphasized that many Russian citizens regret what is now happening between the two countries.

Volodymyr Zelensky
President of Ukraine

I have many Russian friends and acquaintances who regret what has happened. Our territories will return to us. In 2014 we were friends, now we are fighting each other. I think Putin has a good chance of agreeing to a peaceful solution, sitting down at the table and finding a compromise.

At the same time, he emphasized that all occupied territories must be returned to Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelensky
President of Ukraine

They want Ukraine and the world to forget about Crimea. They occupied it and supported separatists in Donbas. They will be ready to give us Donbas if we forget about Crimea. But no one will forget Crimea... I am not afraid of difficulties and am ready to work to achieve peace.

“Forcible redrawing of Ukraine's borders is a problem for the whole world”

President Volodymyr Zelensky believes that, because of a possible escalation of aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, the entire international community will lose.

Volodymyr Zelensky
President of Ukraine

If we have to defend ourselves against one of the most powerful armies in the world, it will be a war. And it will be a very big war, and everyone will lose. Hundreds of thousands of lives will be lost. Ukraine will suffer, Russia will suffer, European countries and countries neighboring Ukraine will suffer; and those located farther away will be affected by the migration crisis.

According to him, if in such a situation Ukraine is left alone, it will be a mistake of the whole world.

“The world will no longer be the same if war happens, and Europe will certainly not be what it was,” Zelensky said.

The president of Ukraine also believes that the world should have a unified position on imposing sanctions against Russia for its aggressive actions.

Responding to a request to explain to US citizens, who are mainly focused on domestic problems, why the situation around Ukraine should matter to them, Volodymyr Zelensky noted that, regardless of where a person lives, there are simple and understandable rules and principles, in particular that one must not kill, must not commit violence, and there must be no slavery, etc.

Volodymyr Zelensky
President of Ukraine

We all live on this Earth. This is about values. There are rules that can help us survive in this world. And you cannot seize someone's territory, you cannot commit an invasion.