Ukraine declares “ready to fight Russia for another 10 years”

In an interview with CNN published on April 18, Zelensky acknowledged that the current conflict began to become serious in 2014 when Kiev first launched its campaign to retake the breakaway Donbas region.

The Ukrainian leader emphasized the importance of the battle to retake the Donbas region for a number of reasons, and said it could affect the entire war. However, Mr. Zelensky believes that it would be better to seek a diplomatic solution to the conflict.

“We cannot give up our territory but we have to find some way of dialogue with Russia. Negotiations will not be conducted on the basis of a Russian ultimatum. It is necessary to have dialogue to prevent many things. more people die. My country can resist the Russian Federation for 10 years, “- Mr. Zelensky declared.

Zelensky in an interview with CNN broadcast on April 18. Photo: CNN

In addition, Zelensky praised the Ukrainian forces in the Donbass as one of the “best armies” that the country has: “It is a large group, 44,000 professional servicemen who have survived the war since the beginning of 2014. Russia wants to surround and destroy them. This is why it is very important for us to preserve our forces.”

When asked by the CNN host if Ukraine would win the conflict with Russia, Zelensky expressed confidence: “Of course it does.”

Ukraine says it is ready to fight Russia for another 10 years if necessary. Photo: Sputnik

Major General Igor Konashenkov. Photo: TASS

Since launching a special military operation in Ukraine on February 24, the Russian Ministry of Defense has reported that its forces have destroyed 136 aircraft, 471 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), 249 systems. anti-aircraft missiles, 2,308 tanks and armored vehicles, 254 multiple rocket launchers, 998 cannons and mortars, 2,171 special military vehicles… of Ukraine.

Particularly in the port city of Mariupol in southeastern Ukraine, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov said on April 17 that Russian special forces had rescued hostages held at a Turkish mosque. States in the region.

“The special operation to free the hostages held by Ukraine in the Turkish mosque was conducted on April 16 during the Mariupol liberation operation and at the request of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. . 29 fighters, including foreign mercenaries, were killed. The hostages were rescued and taken to a safe location,” Konashenkov said.