Zelensky Says Biden Could Help Ukraine Reclaim Crimea

The President of Ukraine, Vladimir Zelensky, believes that the newly elected US President Joe Biden can strengthen negotiations in the "Normandy format," and that the US can provide assistance to Ukraine regarding the reintegration of Donbas and the de-occupation of Crimea, Zelensky stated in an interview with The New York Times, reported by 112.ua.

"I believe President Biden could help solidify our negotiations in the 'Normandy format,' especially since he has a good understanding of the Ukraine-Russia issue. Then, he spoke about security in Europe, after which we believe that it is no longer sufficient to discuss the end of the war. What comes next? We need the reintegration of Donbas. For this, we need strong companies, strong technologies, security, and funds. And for that, I believe we cannot act alone. We are also looking at the free economic zone in the Donbas area to create certain business interests. The United States could play a key role in this," Zelensky said.

According to him, the US is currently a guarantor of security in the world, a serious strategic player, and its influence could accelerate the end of the war in Donbas and bring the region closer to reintegration.

Moreover, the president believes Ukraine cannot address the issue of Crimea without the US. "For six years this issue has been up in the air, and indeed, Europe and the US have done everything possible, but the steps regarding de-occupation must be taken by the relevant union of states, the union of leaders, which will determine the roadmap for all steps toward the de-occupation of the Crimean peninsula," added the President of Ukraine.

He reminded that Ukraine is now creating a "Crimea Platform" and would, of course, like to include those countries that will be key guarantors in returning Crimea and its de-occupation, and the US could lead in this direction," the outlet notes.