Russia can create new crises in the Balkans and Moldova in order to divert the world's attention from the war in Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told African journalists.

"Today everyone is discussing the crisis in the Middle East. But, as I have already said frankly, this is not yesterday’s problem. And not the day before yesterday's problem. Everyone knows about this constant conflict and constant war, but no one wants to end it. Since it is convenient - in at some point, just take this mechanism again. This is an explosion in the Middle East, Russia is behind this, we are sure, with their allies Iran," he said.

"Pay attention to the Balkans. Believe me, we are receiving information: Russia has a long plan. The Middle East, there will be the Balkans, at least, if the countries of the world do nothing now, there will be such an explosion again," Zelenskyy said.

According to him, Russia is again interested in diverting aid. "When you want to help one country or you start dividing this help and attention between many countries, many challenges, many humanitarian challenges," Zelenskyy said.

"Moldova. Now they are starting to undermine the situation in Moldova. To show that something was wrong there during the elections. To recognize the elections as unconstitutional. To again demolish the current government. To demolish the government that is pro-European," he said.