Zelensky Says Ukraine Would Do ‘Everything’ but Cannot Budge on Crimea.
Zelensky called Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate with Russia “a big compromise,” as he addressed Thursday’s missile and drone attacks that killed civilians and injured over 80.
President Volodymyr Zelensky called the fact that “Ukraine is ready to sit at the negotiating table with terrorists,” referring to Russia, a major compromise.
Speaking at a press conference with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, he said:
“We were attacked, we were occupied, many children and adults were buried alive. This is a big compromise that we are ready to sit at the negotiating table with terrorists.”
He also reported that on Thursday morning, April 24, Ukraine came under a large-scale Russian attack.
“More than 200 air targets. These are missiles, including ballistic missiles, and strike drones. Unfortunately, there is destruction, losses in the capital and in our other cities,” he said.
According to Zelensky, over 80 people were injured in the attack, and there are confirmed fatalities.
“In Kyiv, among the dead are a brother and sister, the boy was 21 years old, the girl was 19. My condolences to everyone. Rescue operations are still ongoing,” he added.
Zelensky cut short his visit to South Africa due to the Russian strikes, but said that Ukraine’s Foreign Minister remained in the country to show respect and conduct all planned meetings.
The president also responded to US President Donald Trump’s reported condition that Ukraine reject claims to Crimea.
“The US offered its vision, there was a meeting in London. There was an appropriate strategy that they offered. Our team, the European team, and US representatives talked constructively, and the appropriate points appeared on paper. I believe that today this format, this document is on President Trump’s desk,” Zelensky said.
“Anything that contradicts our values or our constitution cannot be in any agreements,” he added.
Kyiv post