Zelenskyy says Russia dreams of Ukraine president who would 'kiss Putin’s hand'
Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: Getty Images)
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia is mistakenly counting on the emergence of a pro-Russian leader in Ukraine in the event of possible political changes. According to him, such expectations have no basis, reports the German broadcaster ARD.
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Russia counting on a change of power in Ukraine
The Russian side, according to the head of state, continues to assume that the situation in Ukraine may change so that a politician aligned with Moscow will come to power.
Zelenskyy noted that such assumptions appear simplistic and do not account for the real mood within Ukrainian society and the state.
He believes this logic is based on a false understanding of how Ukrainian politics is structured and of the values the country supports today.
On possible elections
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that even amid various internal challenges, this does not mean a change in the state’s course. He also made it clear that the scenario Russia is counting on seems unlikely.
“They do not lose the desire, in my opinion, (to remove me — ed.). From what we understand. Although, why such confidence that if I am gone, a person who will be pro-Russian will come? One can speak in different ways, there can be different internal challenges, but who said that (the president — ed.) will be a person who will kiss Putin’s …? Hardly,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The President of Ukraine stated that the suspension of oil supplies to Hungary via the Druzhba pipeline occurred due to Russian attacks. According to him, if Budapest is interested in restoring supplies, the Hungarian side should discuss an energy ceasefire with Moscow.
Zelenskyy approved an updated composition of the Ukrainian delegation negotiating with the European Union on Ukraine’s accession agreement. Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka was appointed as the chief negotiator, who will coordinate the delegation’s work and represent the country’s position in further dialogue with the European side.
