Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a press conference in Kyiv on the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, February 24, 2023.
Kyiv – According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, some points of the Chinese plan to end the war between Ukraine and Russia make sense, but he disagrees with others. At a press conference on the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, he stated that cooperation with China is possible. If Kyiv's allies keep their word and fulfill their tasks, Ukraine's victory will be inevitable, the president also said, stressing the need to establish a closer partnership with the countries of Latin America and the African continent, whose support Ukraine lacks.
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Photo gallery: Russian invasion of Ukraine
Zelenskyj at a press conference called Feb. The year of steadfastness, which he started with a minute of silence, among other things, appreciated that Beijing thought of nuclear security and territorial integrity in the plan presented today, even if it only talks about it in general terms.
“There are certain common points and other ideas that we disagree on, but at least it's something,” Zelenskyy said. According to him, concrete actions will be more important than words. He also said he plans to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. “It would be beneficial for both sides,” Zelenskyy said, according to Reuters.
China today called for a cease-fire between Russia and Ukraine and the start of peace talks, presenting a 12-point plan to end the war in a document titled China's Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis. Among other things, it encourages both countries to refrain from attacks on the civilian population, to establish humanitarian corridors, but also to end Western sanctions against Russia.
Russian troops crossed the border with Ukraine exactly one year ago after months of escalating tensions , February 24, 2022, thus launching a full-scale aggression. Today, Zelenskyj published a video message on the anniversary of the Russian invasion. It was a year of pain, sadness, faith and unity, he also wrote on Twitter this morning.
“We will win because the truth is on our side,” Zelenskyy said at a press conference.
The president also called for a summit between the countries of Latin America and Africa, with which, according to them, Ukraine should have cooperated more since gaining independence. “I think we have wasted a large part of our independence. Until now, Ukraine has had no strong partners. We lack support from Latin America and the African continent,” said the president, according to whom Kiev had 30 years to establish a partnership.
< p>It was mostly African and Latin American countries that abstained or voted against the resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly on Thursday. In it, Russia again called for the immediate withdrawal of its troops from Ukraine. The text approved on the eve of the first anniversary of the invasion was supported by 141 countries.
Journalists from all over the world asked Zelensky not only about geopolitical issues, but also to personal impressions a year after the beginning of the invasion. The president did not avoid emotions once again, when he answered the question which day was the worst for him in the last year.
“Buča. It was Buča,” he said with tears in his eyes as he recalled his first visit the city on the outskirts of Kiev, which after its liberation last spring became a symbol of the horrors committed by the Russian invading troops.
Today he also called on Russia to end its aggression. “Respect our right to live in our country. Leave our territory. Stop bombing us,” Zelenskyy said. “Stop destroying our infrastructure, energy, drinking water,” he said.
