Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday ruled out the possibility of holding talks with Russia, as tensions between the two countries continue to escalate over the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
Zelensky said he did not see any genuine interest from Moscow in resolving the crisis peacefully, and accused the Kremlin of using “arrogance and murder” as its main tools of diplomacy.
“I don’t see a request from Russia. I don’t see it in their actions. I see only arrogance and murder in their rhetoric,” Zelensky said in a televised address to the nation.
Zelensky’s remarks came amid reports of a massive buildup of Russian troops and military equipment near the border with Ukraine, raising fears of a possible invasion or provocation.
The Ukrainian leader said he was ready to defend his country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and urged the international community to stand by Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
“We are not looking for a war. We want peace. But we are not afraid of a war. We are ready for any scenario,” Zelensky said.
He also called on NATO to accelerate Ukraine’s membership process, saying it was the only way to ensure the security and stability of the region.
“NATO is the only way to end the war in Donbas. Ukraine’s MAP (Membership Action Plan) will be a real signal for Russia,” Zelensky said.
Zelensky’s speech came a day after he spoke with U.S. President Joe Biden, who expressed his “unwavering support” for Ukraine and called on Russia to de-escalate the situation.
The U.S. and its allies have also imposed sanctions on Russia and warned of “consequences” if it further violates Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Russia, however, has denied any aggressive intentions and accused Ukraine and the West of provoking the conflict.
The war in eastern Ukraine, which erupted in 2014 after Russia annexed Crimea, has killed more than 14,000 people and displaced millions. A 2015 peace deal, known as the Minsk agreements, has failed to end the fighting, as both sides accuse each other of violating the ceasefire and the political terms.
