Zelenskyy: We simply cannot trust Russian side
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is convinced that Russia does not want peace, but rather a ceasefire to regroup and continue the conflict.
"We can try to negotiate an end to the war with strong mediators, but the conditions must be such that we do not simply believe, do not rely on Russia’s words. We must understand that if Ukraine is not in the Donbas, it is not guaranteed that Putin will not continue the war. I would even say the opposite. The fact is that he will continue. What is not certain is whether he will continue immediately," he said in an interview with Italian broadcaster Rai Italia.
Zelenskyy added that Russia needs time to reconstitute its forces. "He needs time to prepare, to staff brigades, additional divisions and so on. That takes time. That is what I believe — that he needs this time. But who guarantees that he will not then continue the occupation?"
The president again rejected the notion of Ukrainian forces withdrawing from territories they currently control.
"Besides, why should we withdraw from our own land that we control? He has not been able to achieve anything on the battlefield — he does not have the strength. He wants us to believe him and simply walk away from our territories, which are well fortified. These fortifications limit the capabilities of Russian forces. Putin understands that if we withdraw, he will save between 300,000 and one million of his soldiers, depending on the intensity and duration of offensive operations in the Donbas. Why should we suddenly trust him and hand over such gifts?" Zelenskyy said.
