The leadership of the United States of America in supporting Ukraine in the fight against the Russian aggressor will contribute to the further strengthening of the defense capabilities of the Ukrainian army and victory. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his online participation in the meeting of The Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), a separate panel of which was devoted to Ukraine.
During a conversation with the 42nd US President Bill Clinton, Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the United States of America is an indicator of democracy for the entire civilized world, to which other countries are compared. Therefore, it is important that they remain leaders in supporting Ukraine and exerting pressure on Russia.
"When the US gives Ukraine artillery, then other countries support us and also provide it. When the US designates (the country - ed.) a sponsor of terrorism, the democracies of Europe will also support this initiative. Therefore, when you ask me how the United States can help, it is to be a leader," the Head of State said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that the world and, in particular, the US, has already done a lot to support Ukraine and strengthen our army, which resulted in the de-occupation of a number of Ukrainian territories.
"Our troops have internal resilience - it is their love and respect for their homeland, for Ukraine. But on the battlefield, hands and eyes are not enough. Weapons are also very important. And here I want to thank both President Biden and the US Congress for the bipartisan support of Ukraine," he said.
The Head of State also called on the US to encourage other democratic countries to provide more assistance to Ukraine, in particular to provide the necessary weapons.
"They have the artillery we need, the appropriate weapons. And here, politically, the United States could put pressure," Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted and added that this issue was repeatedly discussed with congressmen, senators, as well as at the level of presidents.
He expressed his belief that in the issue of fighting the aggressor, one cannot stand aside and not express a position clearly.
"You cannot balance between good and evil, light and darkness. You have to choose a side. Every subject, every state is open, free. So they can choose a side, but they can't be in the middle," said the President and emphasized that Ukraine is fighting precisely for values - for freedom.
The Head of State noted that the US and the world community should force Russia to sit down at the negotiating table after its troops leave the territory of Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of preserving the unity of the free world in matters of sanction pressure on the aggressor. This especially applies to those countries where there is Russian lobbying.
"It is very important not to lose a united Europe, and then the combined volume of these sanctions will definitely hit both Russia's military-industrial complex and the economy. And they will definitely feel it. But the main thing is that it should be felt not by the leaders of the Russian Federation, but by their society. And society feels it when citizens' wallets are affected, when their rights and freedoms are restricted. And here it is very important to introduce visa restrictions for the Russian Federation. Russian society will know that it must also bear responsibility for this war. Because they elected these leaders. And they should feel the tangible price of this war," the President said.
According to the Head of State, the most important sanction measure that must be applied to Russia is to designate it a state – sponsor of terrorism.
He also reminded that the Ukrainian side recently presented recommendations on security guarantees for Ukraine prepared by the international working group led by Andriy Yermak and former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen. These recommendations should become the basis of the future compact on security guarantees for Ukraine, which, according to the President, could be an example of security for all states that are not members of NATO.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke in favor of such partners as the United States, Great Britain and EU countries joining the circle of guarantors of the security of our state.
"I think it is very important that the USA become the first country to sign these security guarantees with the Ukrainian side," he summarized.
Established in 2005 by President Bill Clinton, the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) convenes global leaders to create and implement solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. This September, CGI will convene alongside the United Nations General Assembly. During this meeting, more than 1,000 attendees will come together to drive action on climate change, inclusive economic growth, health equity, the refugee crisis, and more.