In a recent interview with 60 Minutes, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the ongoing conflict with Russia and the urgent need for international support. As Zelenskyy prepares to address the United Nations and meet with President Biden, he emphasized the critical nature of the situation. U.S. officials revealed that nearly half a million troops have been killed or wounded in the past 600 days, highlighting the devastating toll of Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked invasion.
Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude for the financial support that the United States has provided to Ukraine, but he also stressed that this support is not just for Ukraine alone. He warned that if Ukraine falls, Putin will continue his aggression and pose a threat to neighboring countries such as the Baltic states and Poland. Zelenskyy questioned what the United States would do if Putin were to reach these territories, raising concerns about the potential for a Third World War.
The interview shed light on the current state of the conflict, with Zelenskyy describing the fighting as a difficult and slow process. Despite the Ukrainian forces having the initiative and stopping the Russian offensive, progress is limited. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of liberating as much territory as possible before the onset of winter, urging his troops to continue advancing even if it means moving forward just a few yards at a time.
When asked about the recent drone strikes in Russia, Zelenskyy denied any direct involvement but acknowledged that Ukraine has the moral right to respond to missile launches targeting their country. He warned that if Russia were to cut off Ukraine’s power, water, or gasoline supplies, Ukraine would have the right to reciprocate.
Zelenskyy expressed concern about Putin’s continued threats and his potential use of nuclear weapons to fuel instability in Europe and the United States. He highlighted the importance of the upcoming U.S. election and urged the international community to remain vigilant. Zelenskyy will be pressing President Biden for missiles with longer range and hopes for continued support from Congress.
Throughout the interview, Zelenskyy’s empathy for the Ukrainian people and the sacrifices they have made was evident. He spoke of the honor he feels when meeting soldiers and their families, recognizing the risks they face in defending their country. Zelenskyy made it clear that Ukraine cannot give up any part of its territory for the sake of peace, including Crimea, as doing so would undermine the sacrifices made by those who have lost their lives in the conflict.
As Ukraine continues to fight for its territorial integrity, Zelenskyy’s plea for international support and his warnings about the potential consequences of Putin’s actions serve as a reminder of the critical nature of the situation. The world must stand up to Putin and defend Ukraine to ensure global stability and prevent the escalation of the conflict into a devastating world war.