Today at 19:55
In order to resolve the situation in Donbas, it is important that residents of the its occupied areas identify themselves and answer the question – “Who are you? Are you with Russia or with Ukraine?” This was stated by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an exclusive interview to the TV channel “DOM”.
“There is a saying: “A man is in a twine”. He doesn’t know what to do, he’s choosing for a long time and can’t choose, and he doesn’t know who he is. The most important thing in this story is to conclude: are you Russian, are you in Russia (And I’m not talking about nationality, but about one’s internal choice) or are you Ukrainian, and is this your land? Is this your homeland, or are you a guest?” – the president said.
He stressed that Donbass will never be a Russian territory.
“Never. No matter how long it will be occupied, you know. It’s like a wall that once was in Germany. In any case, people, history will seize the moment – and the wall will fall. If they don’t agree, people will still use the moment. This is impossible” – Volodymyr Zelenskyi stressed.
In this regard, it is important for residents of the occupied territories to determine today.
“I believe that if you live in the temporarily occupied territory of Donbas today and you think that “we do the right thing”, “we are for Russia”, “we are Russians” – that would be a big mistake to remain in Donbass… Because without Ukraine civilization will leave this territory. Ukraine will develop, everything will be built. And the occupied, the cut off part of Donbas will not grow anyway. That is why happiness will not come there, to these people” – the head of state added.
At the same time, the president noted that “no one will expel anyone”. It should be an independent personal decision.
“Therefore, I believe that for the sake of future of your children and grandchildren – if you love Russia, if you lived in Ukraine for all your life and felt that it is Russia, then you must understand that in the name of your children and grandchildren you need to go and look for a place in Russia. That would be right” – Volodymyr Zelensky said.
But if you feel that you are Ukrainian and Donbas is Ukrainian, if you respect this flag, if you respect the Ukrainian language (if you were not taught it in school – read books yourself, everything will come, speak as you want), but if you feel that you are Ukrainian, stay there. Be here, hold on, and this land would be de-occupied anyway. This is history. Therefore, we are not talking about the notions of normal-abnormal. The matter is: who are you? Give an answer for yourself” – the president summed up.
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