Ukraine's further success in the war against the Russian aggressor and the deoccupation of territories depend not only on the unity of the Ukrainian people and the strength of the Armed Forces, but also on the weapons supplied to us by partner states, political support and consistent Western sanctions policy. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview with Financial Times Editor Roula Khalaf.
"The advancement, the deoccupation of our territories depends on powerful weapons, political support from the West and a clear, strong sanctions policy. It depends not only on the unity of our people, government and the Armed Forces of Ukraine," the President said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the deoccupation of Ukrainian settlements has been slowing down recently, and in some places there is a threat of an offensive by Russian troops. To win on the battlefield, Ukraine needs powerful military equipment, which is not inferior to that of the enemy forces, the President stressed.
"We have greater desire (to win - ed.), but less technology. Therefore, we cannot advance powerfully. This is an extremely important position, a way out of the stalemate," he said.
According to the Head of State, the strong interest of Western countries in supporting Ukraine's sovereignty is of great importance.
"There can be no discussions, agreements without Ukraine, behind our backs. There can be no expectation from certain leaders of some countries that we will weaken our position. Like, we have to wait, they will be exhausted economically, infrastructurally, they will have a shortage of money, a shortage of fuel, and then, as they say, Ukraine will be compliant,” said the President.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that some Western countries are trying to undertake the role of mediator in the negotiations between Ukraine and Russia and at the same time are looking for ways to continue doing business with the Russian side.
"Everyone is acting like a sapper. Supporting Ukraine, they are checking: what else can be done to mitigate sanctions a little so that the business of one or another state does not suffer. And constantly, like sappers, they are trying to push this or that initiative," he said.
The Head of State noted that Ukraine does not need solutions alternative to those already chosen and supported by most countries of the civilized world.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that our state pays considerable attention to the sanctions policy against the aggressor.
"We believe that sanctions are a powerful weapon - a weapon without blood. It is an economical modern weapon. Therefore, I want it not to be just a phrase "Sanctions against Russia do not work." They work when they are specifically implemented and when we all do not allow to bypass them," the President stressed.
The Head of State reiterated that Russia had blocked Ukrainian ports, which made it impossible for Ukraine to export wheat, barley, sunflower, etc. According to him, the blockade of exports of domestic agricultural products could lead to world hunger and exacerbate the migrant crisis.
According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian side offered an option to provide a corridor with the participation of partner countries, but not Russia.
"Everyone knows very well that we will not let Russian ships into our ports, because they attack us every day. But Ukraine is ready to export what it has. We are ready for normal, civilized conditions, safe conditions," he stressed.
The President noted that Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine is a global problem.
"Don't forget that this war is still going on. And there can be no fatigue in Western countries from it. I urge you… Don’t forget about it. Do everything you can," Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged.
He also thanked the United Kingdom and personally Prime Minister Boris Johnson for supporting Ukraine and expressed hope for continued strategic cooperation. The Head of State stressed that our country is interested in the unity of the world, including China, in order to influence Russia and stop the war.