Today the war for Ukraine's independence and freedom continues, and the end of this war depends, in particular, on the willingness of Western countries to provide our country with the necessary defense and financial support. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his participation in the video format in the Ukrainian Breakfast within the World Economic Forum in Davos.
"The victory we are striving for is the beginning of a peaceful, united Ukraine," the President said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Western countries not to be afraid to oppose Russia in this hybrid war, as their citizens are not currently required to take part in hostilities.
The President is convinced that after the hot, bloody phase of this war, a diplomatic process will begin, but the date when that happens will also depend on Russia's position.
"After the military part, in any case, there will be a peace process and there will be a negotiating table. The question is with whom Ukraine will negotiate, with which President of Russia. And it also depends on the willingness of the incumbent President of Russia," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The Head of State stressed that the current President of Russia is not fully aware of the real picture of events in Ukraine and in the world. And only when the Russian leader understands the scale of the disaster caused by the war will there be grounds for diplomatic negotiations.
"There is one person - the President of the Russian Federation. When he is ready to realize the reality and understand that many innocent people are dying, he will understand the necessity to talk and end this war started by the Russian Federation, no one else," said the President of Ukraine.
At the same time, with each day of the war, with each new war crime of Russian soldiers, the willingness to negotiate in Ukrainian society will decrease, said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"When Ukraine says that it will fight until it regains all its territories, it means only one thing: that Ukraine will fight until it regains all its territories. This is about independence and sovereignty," the Head of State stressed.
However, he stressed that the ongoing hot phase of the war could move to negotiations if Russia demonstrates its commitment to a diplomatic settlement.
"We can move to this stage when we understand that at least the Russian side shows a desire to move from the stage of bloody war to diplomacy," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
According to the President of Ukraine, such a step could be the withdrawal of Russian troops to the positions that existed before February 24, 2022. But so far, he sees no interest in negotiations on the part of the Russian Federation.
"The only positive thing, if we can call it that way, is that the parties have started talking about unblocking Azovstal and evacuating people from Mariupol," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy, noting that the UN, ICRC and other countries helped in this process.
According to the President of Ukraine, the Russian side is simply delaying the process, as it has been the case for 8 years in the framework of the Minsk process.
"Therefore, we are against any artificial agreements, without real confirmation by a circle of partner countries that are ready to support and be guarantors of security for Ukraine. Without serious powerful partners, there is nothing to talk about," he said.
According to the President, the unity of Ukrainian society has enabled our state to resist the invasion of the "second army of the world". Therefore, the Head of State stressed that both Ukraine and Western countries today need self-confidence and unity. In particular, in the supply of weapons to Ukraine and in the imposition of sanctions on Russia.
"Self-confidence that the West is many times stronger and larger than the Russian army. And the position is much fairer. And they need to know that Ukraine is part of their world. Then they will unite not just with Ukraine, but around the similar state that is equal to them," the President said.
