Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been very outspoken against Russian President Vladimir Putin's unprovoked invasion, as he appeared on "60 Minutes" on CBS on Sunday to discuss the next steps to put an end to the war.
CBS News anchor Scott Pelley asked Zelensky what could have been done to prevent all of the deaths caused by the Russian invasion, and the Ukrainian president gave an answer directed right at Putin.
"Well, he could have prevented those deaths in the first place. He could. They have a strict vertical of power," Zelensky said, via translation.
"So we could have met up a lot earlier. We could have talked. It doesn't matter whether he wanted to or didn't want to, whether he liked me or didn't like me, it doesn't matter whether he hates me as a person. I don't know. It's not about personal reasons, it's about war between two states.
Zelensky continued by pushing for a real conversation with Putin to stop the war. He added that the Russian president can't keep saying his country didn't do this or that. If by chance Russia didn't cause all these deaths in Ukraine, then Zelensky asked Putin to step up and say that.
"That's why I'm talking about a dialogue between two state leaders. He could've prevented this situation. A lot of things depend on him. Even now when this is happening, you can't just close your eyes and say that 'we didn't do this.' Even if you believe that you haven't done this, you need to say that to my face and the rest of the world. And if you didn't do this and you consider yourself a real man, you can at least shout that 'this wasn't me.'
Zelensky then said that "entire world will not forget" what Putin has done. He mentioned how there will certainly be books, movies, and other forms of media made about the Russian invasion and the damage it has caused to all of Ukraine.
"Because of you, the entire country is blamed and responsible. And no one will forget about it. They think that if they destroy Ukraine no one is going to remember it. First of all, it is impossible to destroy all people. And second of all, you will not shake hands with anyone in the world. The entire world will not forget it. And in a modern technological world, there is video, audio, there will be books, there will be memories. All of that will endure.
Zelensky acknowledged that Putin would never listen to someone like him, even after becoming the Ukrainian president. He noted that just because Russia is bigger and has a larger army than Ukraine, that does not mean they are going to back down and surrender.
"I didn't believe Putin would hear me when I became president. I understand this. They have imperialistic ambitions, they are a big country with a big army. But now they understand that we can also respond."
The Russian invasion began on Feb. 24, and has not gone as initially planned like Putin thought it would. Ukraine has defended their country as much as possible, and will continue to do so, as Zelensky is still hoping to meet with Putin and discuss what can be done to stop the war.
Related
Related
