President Zelensky: Conflict in Donbass leaves 'forever scar' between Ukraine and Russia
(Baonghean.vn) - Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said that the conflict in Donbass is a "scar" and has become a difficult problem to overcome in the relationship between Moscow and Kiev.
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| Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky. Photo: Ria Novosti |
In an interview with Israel's Channel 9 about the conflict in Donbass, President Zelensky said: "I see that this is a great disaster that will last forever. In general, it will leave a long "scar" between Ukraine and Russia. Will this scar disappear? I am not very sure about this."
The Ukrainian leader recalled that bilateral relations between the two countries had been strained for some time, and both sides paid special attention to establishing dialogue. In addition, President Zelensky said that the conflict in Donbass cannot be resolved without the return of Crimea to Ukraine.
"There are millions of Ukrainians in Crimea. Therefore, we, of course, must take back our territory," said President Zelensky.
Relations between Moscow and Kiev escalated in 2014, following the annexation of Crimea to Russia. In the spring of 2014, the Ukrainian government launched a military operation against the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) and the self-proclaimed Lugansk People's Republic (LPR). After the coup in Ukraine, the DPR and LPR declared independence. According to the latest UN data, about 13,000 people have died as a result of these conflicts.
President Zelensky, who became Ukraine’s leader in 2019, has vowed to seek peace in the region. In September 2019, Moscow and Kiev carried out a 35:35 prisoner exchange. Russia also released Ukrainian ships previously detained by Russian authorities.