We Have Broken the Backbone of One of the Strongest Armies in the World: Vladimir Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has given an interview. Here are some details:

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that today the number of people fighting on behalf of Kyiv reaches up to 700,000. According to Zelensky, at the beginning of the special military operation, the number of the Armed Forces of Ukraine did not exceed 120,000.

Regarding those who surrendered at Azovstal, Zelensky said, "The boys received signals from the military that they had every right to exit and save their lives. The military command conveyed all this to those trapped in Azovstal. After that, everything will depend on what commitment the UN takes on itself." Today, all civilians, doctors, and severely injured individuals have been evacuated from the factory area. Zelensky noted that they have reached an agreement with international partners about rescuing the defenders of Mariupol. We expect an exchange format.

When asked if Zelensky was aware that Russia would unleash a wide-scale war, he mentioned, "No one knew about the real intentions of Russia. Especially that they would launch missiles from Belarus. We did not start that war, but we will finish it. Victory will be very complex; it will be bloody. It will certainly be in battle, but the endpoint will definitely be in diplomacy." In the words of the Ukrainian President, victory in the war will be considered when the Armed Forces of Ukraine exit to the delineation line effective February 24. "This would mean that they have not captured us, that we have defended our land. And then we will move to the second part. And I would like this country (Russia) to have enough sense to talk about the second part at the negotiating table. And that the outcome of this conversation will be final justice; we have broken the backbone of one of the strongest armies in the world, also psychologically. They will not be able to recover from all this for a long time," said Zelensky.

Zelensky emphasized that the main course is Ukraine's place among equals, and they are moving along that path. When asked what his most important achievement is, Zelensky stated, "It's hard for me to say, to be honest. I think any result should be assessed when you've reached the end. I have always believed in the people of Ukraine. This war and the strength of unity is another—or perhaps the most important—thing. I take pride in that," the President of Ukraine noted.