Russia will not be among the guarantors of Ukraine's security - Zelenskyy

YEVROPEYSKA PRAVDA - SATURDAY, 21 MAY 2022, 11:41

The president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has stated that Russia will not be among the guarantors of Ukraine's security.

He said this in an interview with ICTV that was broadcast on Saturday during a 24-hour newscast, according to Yevropeyska Pravda.

"Today, we are considering a range of security guarantors from trusted partner countries. We are developing this project with them. We have developed it", the president said.

He made it clear that Russia will not become a guarantor of Ukrainian security under this agreement.

"We want a separate agreement. Today, everything has reached the point where this agreement provides for a circle of partner states around Ukraine without Russia. Security guarantors without Russia. Bucha changed some things", Zelenskyy said.

According to the president, the bilateral talks with Russia and the President of the Russian Federation should take place separately from the agreement on security guarantees. 

He noted that negotiations with Russia are possible because the condition that the lives of the defenders of Mariupol should be saved has been met.

"Today we see that they provided an opportunity, found a way to keep these people alive, and got them out. Next there will be an exchange. Much also depends on the results of these processes", the President added.

Zelenskyy stressed that it is important that the agreement on security guarantees is not a piece of paper, but a reality, and that it becomes the basis of state security.

Zelenskyy also said the end of the war with Russia would be "diplomatic".

Zelenskyy confirmed that he would consider a return to the line as of 23 February 2022 as victory, and that he wants to resolve the remaining issues at the negotiating table.