Zelenskiy says US will be alongside Ukraine’s efforts to stop Russia By Reuters | masr356.com

(Reuters) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated late on Tuesday that nobody would give peace to his nation as a present, however he believed the US would stand alongside Kyiv because it fights to stop Russia’s 34-month invasion.

Zelenskiy, in a slick 21-minute New Yr video greeting to his compatriots, additionally stated solely a powerful Ukraine might safe peace and earn worldwide respect.

“We all know that peace will not be given to us as a present, however we will do every part to stop Russia and finish the warfare, one thing every of us needs,” Zelenskiy stated in opposition to a backdrop of the blue-and-yellow nationwide flag, battlefield scenes and photos of youngsters.

He recalled conversations with outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden, President-elect Donald Trump and “everybody who helps us in the US”.

“I’ve little doubt that the brand new American president needs and will be in a position to carry peace and finish (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s aggression,” Zelenskiy stated.

“He understands that the previous is not possible with out the latter. As a result of this isn’t a road brawl the place the 2 sides want to be pacified. It is a full-scale aggression by a deranged state in opposition to a civilised one. And I consider that, along with the US, we’re able to the power to drive Russia right into a simply peace.”

Russia, Zelenskiy stated, was not to be trusted both in battle or in talks.

“If right now Russia shakes your hand, it does not imply that tomorrow the identical hand will not begin killing you,” he stated. “Russians worry those that are free. What they do not perceive. They worry freedom.”

Biden’s administration has offered by far essentially the most army assist for Ukraine amongst Western nations for the reason that February 2022 full-scale invasion.

Ukraine has been cautious of Trump’s criticism of help to Kyiv and his pledge, through the U.S. election marketing campaign, to carry a fast finish to the warfare, however Zelenskiy has expressed optimism about guaranteeing persevering with U.S. assist.

Ukraine has endured a tough yr, with Russian forces taking village after village in a faster advance on the japanese entrance than for the reason that starting of the invasion.

In latest months, Zelenskiy has stated that any settlement to the battle is based on receiving safety ensures from Western nations and Kyiv securing an invite to be a part of the NATO alliance, a notion Russia rejects out of hand.

In his greeting, Zelenskiy stated that previously yr, Ukraine had launched an incursion into southern Russia’s Kursk area, staged long-range drone strikes in opposition to distant Russian targets and developed domestically produced drones and different weapons.

“Day by day within the coming yr, I and all of us should combat in order that Ukraine can be robust sufficient,” he stated. “Solely such a Ukraine is revered and heard – each on the battlefield and on the negotiating desk.”