2023-06-18 12:01:28
Zelensky: Discussions only following Russia’s withdrawal
After meeting with a delegation of representatives from various African countries, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has once more rejected negotiations with Moscow ahead of a Russian troop withdrawal. “Allowing any talks with Russia while the occupier is on our soil means freezing the war, pain and suffering,” Zelensky said at a news conference in Kiev on Friday. His country needs a real peace and at the same time «a real withdrawal of Russian troops from all our independent soil».
Later that evening, Zelenskiy released his daily video message and said he had met with the military cabinet over the ongoing counter-offensive. He didn’t give any details, just said: “Every one of our soldiers, every step we take and every meter of liberated Ukrainian territory is the most important thing.”
Putin irritates with statements regarding Patriots, fighter jets and disarmament
Meanwhile, Kremlin chief Putin irritated several times during his several-hour appearance at the 26th International Economic Forum. For example, with regard to nuclear arms control, he said: “We have more such weapons than the NATO countries. They know that and they’re pushing us all the time to start talks regarding reductions.” Then he added: “Fuck it, you know what we say among the people.” A little later, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had to explain Putin’s statements to journalists – and put them into perspective. “Russia is ready to conduct negotiations,” he assured.
Putin also said regarding possible deliveries of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine: If the machines are stationed outside of Ukraine, then the Russian side will “see how and where we destroy these funds”. Here, too, spokesman Peskov rowed back and said that Russia would only attack the jets on Ukrainian territory if they were delivered.
Had to correct Vladimir Putin’s statements several times: Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov.
Photo: Vladimir Astapkovich (Imago)
Finally, critical Russian media drew attention to Putin’s claims that his army had destroyed five Patriot anti-aircraft systems in the Kiev area. Because: Ukraine has just received two such systems from foreign partners.
In addition, Putin insulted the Ukrainian head of state Zelensky. “I have many Jewish friends since I was a child. They say: ‘Zelensky is not a Jew. It’s a disgrace to the Jewish people,” he said. Moscow repeatedly justifies its war of aggression once morest the neighboring country with the propaganda claim that Ukraine must be rid of alleged «neo-Nazis». Such statements also cause great horror internationally because Zelenski is of Jewish descent. In addition, it has been proven that Holocaust survivors were among the many thousands of victims of Russian attacks in Ukraine.
What will be important on Saturday
As part of their peace initiative, the African delegation, which includes the heads of state and government of South Africa, Egypt, Senegal and Zambia, travels from Kiev to St. Petersburg. A meeting with Putin is also expected there. (SDA)
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