Zelensky emphasizes: Ukraine lacks sufficient weapons to retake Crimea, but the world is capable of pressuring Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently confirmed in a statement during a discussion with journalists from againdocu/"Interfax-Ukraine" that, as of today, the Ukrainian military does not have enough military resources to independently regain control over the temporarily occupied Crimea. At the same time, he stressed that there is a wide range of tools available worldwide that can be used to exert diplomatic, political, and economic pressure on Russia to facilitate negotiations regarding Ukraine’s territorial integrity. According to Zelensky, the situation with the possibility of returning Crimea is very complex, and without effective support and assistance from the international community, the return of the peninsula is impossible. He cites statements from experienced leaders, including former US President Donald Trump, who recently emphasized that Ukraine currently lacks sufficient weapons. Zelensky shares this view, noting that he is referring specifically to weapons, not human resources: “Our people are the main and most valuable asset; without them, it’s impossible. Their heroism is an important factor in this fight. However, it would be incorrect to say that we have no army. Currently, there is an army, and it is fighting for Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity.” The President highlighted that there are ample opportunities in world politics to apply sanctions, economic, and diplomatic pressure to compel Russia to enter negotiations and seek a diplomatic, conclusive solution regarding the occupied territories. It’s evident from his words that the condition for starting such negotiations is a complete and unconditional ceasefire, which would be the first step towards further conflict resolution at the international level. Additionally, Zelensky addressed the statement made by the former American leader regarding Crimea. Speaking about the US position, he emphasized that the Ukrainian people have the absolute right to determine their fate and territorial integrity. “Our position is clear: only the Ukrainian people have the right to decide which territories belong to Ukraine. Ukraine’s constitution affirms that all temporarily occupied territories are Ukrainian lands, which are temporarily occupied and must be liberated. Ukraine will never recognize the legality of occupation through passports or any legal means, including Crimea,” Zelensky stressed. Overall, in his statement, the Ukrainian president underscores the unity of Ukrainian society and an unwavering stance on regaining occupied territories within the state, while acknowledging that military weapons alone, without active diplomatic support and assistance from the international community, will not yield quick results. It is worth recalling that on April 22, Zelensky once again officially declared that Ukraine does not recognize Russia’s annexation of Crimea and regards it as a temporarily occupied Ukrainian territory. In response to this position, former US President Trump reacted quite critically, stating that “Crimea was lost many years ago,” and adding that the Ukrainian leader’s statements allegedly harm the peace negotiations process. In an interview with the American publication The Time, Trump reaffirmed his view on the reasons for the conflict, pointing to Ukraine’s aspiration to join NATO and referring to Crimea as lost Ukrainian land. This has sparked new discussions about the role of the global community in resolving the conflict and the potential use of sanctions to pressure Russia into seeking a compromise.