O destino da Ucrânia é o destino da Europa e do mundo - Volodymyr Zelensky

From an interview with the Ukrainian president:

 We had a frozen conflict in the east of Ukraine for years after Russia’s occupation of Crimea in 2014. We tried to speak with Russia. But we heard nothing but lies from them. No truth. We can’t trust them.

They just want to destroy and kill all of us. In 2022 we saw them attack us again. And this wasn’t just war, but terrorism. Clear terrorism. They killed not only the army, but people. They committed horrible atrocities.

Russia must leave our territory. After that the world can switch to diplomacy. And our Peace Formula provides a good opportunity for that. 

What is the alternative? To give Putin the possibility to kill all of us? To destroy our nation and all that we have?

This is not only a matter of Ukraine. This is a matter of security in Europe. The matter of NATO unity. Because after Ukraine, Russia will attack NATO countries.

Some people say the alternative is to give Putin what he wants and stop the war. What does that mean? Giving him 30 percent of our land? What to do with the people in the temporary occupied territories? Or with the thousands of people who have been killed by Putin and his army? Forget about them? No accountability? No tribunal? 

I know what to do. We have to be strong. I believe that European countries and the United States believe in our power, our humanity, our attitude toward people and democracy.

The alternative is to give a pass to autocrats, give a chance to tyranny, give them the opportunity to destroy democracy and the world. 

I don’t see any alternative to Ukrainian victory. And I do believe in the unity of the world and its support for Ukraine and democracy. I do believe and trust our people and our warriors.

Watch my full interview with @kwelkernbc at @MeetThePress.