Zelenskyj gives an emotional interview on the Ukraine war: "They also die for their freedom"

Created: 03/09/2022, 19:52

By: Tom Offinger

The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj impressively resists the Russian invaders.

In an emotional interview, he describes his impressions and the role of his family.

Kyiv/Munich - Almost every child has known him since February 24: The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj, actually a trained actor and director, rose to become a strong statesman as a result of the Russian attack, who would rather stay in his embattled country than away from it USA to be flown to safety.

The 44-year-old has been holding out in Kyiv for three weeks, experiencing the horrors of war up close.

In various interviews, Selenskyj gives an insight into his emotional world and everyday life as an enemy of Russia.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy: Leaving Kyiv is not an option

“I do this for my children and my grandchildren.

I don't want to be a weakling," emphasizes the 44-year-old at the beginning of a recorded interview

with

He still wears the olive-colored T-shirt, which has become his trademark over the past few days.

Even with the worsening situation around the capital Kyiv, Selenskyj is not thinking of fleeing: “I also have my duties as president.

I have to be where my people are.”

When asked about the reactions and measures taken by the German government, Zelenskyj was noticeably reticent.

He did not want to judge the actions of Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz too early, he wanted to do this only after the end of the war.

"We see some steps that Germany is supporting us with - Nord Stream 2, sanctions and so on.

We'll see what Germany is doing." Nevertheless, every moment is now crucial, emphasized the 44-year-old: "Every minute is valuable to us, people can die every minute."

Volodymyr Zelenskyy: Clear words to Russian fighters and to the EU

The general war situation does not frighten him, Zelenskyj made it clear.

"I'm not afraid.

Also from what?

I mustn't be afraid, I'll stay calm," he repeatedly assured.

"The worst that could happen has already happened.

We have a war, Russia against Ukraine.

So many people have already fallen.

The country was destroyed.” However, he did not lose hope, he and his Ukrainian compatriots continued to believe in the future.

"We will not give up, we will not sell our land."

He condemned the Russian rocket attacks on the children's hospital in Mariupol in the strongest possible terms: "These are animals that cause something like this." When asked about the anger in Germany about the increased petrol and gas prices, he found no less clear words: "There are certain Values ​​that are very difficult to explain until there is a war in your own country.” True happiness is only life itself, according to Selenskyj: “We are also dying for their freedom.” Ukraine also for little understanding.

“The governments that do not support our membership of the EU are pointing to reforms that have yet to happen.

They don't see us as equals."

Peace negotiations with Russia: compromises needed from both sides

"In every negotiation, my goal is to end the war with Russia," Zelenskyy said.

"I am prepared to make certain compromises, but these must not be a betrayal of my country.

The other side must also be prepared to make compromises.” However, the 44-year-old made it clear that only the two presidents could negotiate directly, not representatives.

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At the end, Selenskyj came back to his family: His wife and children, who have already left the capital, are at his side.

“My children say I should stay here.

They shouldn't waste their wonderful childhood trying to persuade their father to leave their own country,” he said, visibly moved.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy: Life as Russia's public enemy number one

In a conversation with the

, the 44-year-old gave a deep look.

"I sleep very little, drink a lot of coffee and have a lot of conversations," he described his everyday life as Russia's number one public enemy. His personal best protection is the proximity to his people, he continued.

“When Ukraine is with you, you feel safe.

This is a principle that many in the West should learn from.” Russia's invasion did not surprise him, but the brutal action did.

On the other hand, he considers a nuclear war like the one put forward by Putin to be absurd.

"It's one thing to be a killer.

A suicide is another matter.” In the end, the Russian president's hunger will not be satisfied by Ukraine, Zelenskyj said.

Moldova, Georgia, the Baltic States and Poland are also threatened.

"He wants to tear Europe apart, just like Ukraine." (to)