We are resolutely preparing for a counterattack: Zelenskyy

Russia's invasion attempt against Ukraine has been going on for more than a year. Zelenskyy, who visited the Italian capital Rome for the first time since February 24, 2022, when Russia attacked Ukraine, participated in a program on Italian state television in the evening after completing his official contacts and answered the questions of Italian journalists.

Reminded that there are comments that there is a fatigue in the Italian public opinion to support Kyiv, Zelenskyy said, "Let's imagine that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin comes to NATO countries. Then you will send your citizens, your fathers, your children to this war because you are a member of the alliance. I am a pragmatic person. Your society should understand that it is better to help Ukraine than to send your own citizens to the war."

Zelenskyy said that they were able to protect their skies thanks to Italy and France, and that they would have suffered more losses without the air defense systems purchased from these countries. Stating that the important thing is to end the war, Zelenskyy said that Putin is "aggressive" and that they do not want to live in chaos, reported Anadolu.

Referring to his phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Zelenskiy said, "We discussed important issues. I said that we trust that Beijing will not supply weapons to Moscow. Xi responded that they will not supply weapons and will not support Russia."

Regarding the peace talks brought up by the Vatican and Pope Francis, Zelensky said, "I respect the Pope, but we need peace, not mediators. We invite the Pope to work for a just peace like other leaders, but first we have to do other things. You cannot mediate with Putin, no country in the world can do that."

Stating that he is not willing to talk to Putin, Zelenskyy argued that the way out in Ukraine is a counter-attack and that support for Putin within Russia will decrease when they stand on the Crimean border.

WHEN IS UKRAINE'S COUNTER-ATTACK?

On a question about when Ukraine's counter-attack will take place, Zelenskyy said, "Important steps will be taken shortly. We are preparing with great determination and important steps will come. We are motivated for this. I cannot give an answer on timing and methods, but you will see. We believe in victory."

Zelenskiy said the following about the possibility of using nuclear weapons in the war:

"I think Putin will not use nuclear weapons. No one knows what is going through the mind of the Russian President, but we should not be afraid. Putin has a great will to live and he will try to do everything to live."

The Ukrainian President also said that he has no problem with a referendum in Crimea, but it cannot be held on his territory, as it is contrary to the Ukrainian constitution.

Source: Anadolu Agency