Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska has issued a sobering warning to the world as the conflict with Russia enters its 18th month.
In an exclusive interview with Independent TV, Zelenska made an impassioned plea for faster support to enable her country to effectively fight against Vladimir Putin’s troops.
Ukrainian First Lady Seeks Faster Support Amid 18-Month Conflict
Speaking from the command center in Kyiv, Zelenska expressed her concern over the use of the word long when describing the commitment of Western partners.
Instead, she stressed the need for faster support, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. While Ukrainians pay with the lives of their compatriots, the rest of the world contributes resources.
Zelenska urged for accelerated assistance, highlighting the incomparable cost of human lives.
As a former comedy screenwriter and the childhood sweetheart of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Olena Zelenska took on the role of an ambassador for Ukraine after Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
In September 2022, she founded the Olena Zelenska Foundation, which has been engaged in a wide range of activities, including reconstructing hospitals and providing support for those facing mental health challenges.
Amidst the conflict, Russia’s involvement has impacted trade deals and grain exports.
Recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin informed Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan that Moscow is prepared to return to the Black Sea grain deal if the West fulfills its obligations concerning Russia’s grain exports.
The deal, brokered by Turkey and the United Nations in July 2022, allowed for the safe export of grain from Ukraine’s Black Sea ports.
However, last month, Moscow exited the deal, citing interference in its own grain and fertilizer exports by the West.
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A Stark Reminder of Ukraine’s Peril and the Global Stakes
Zelenska’s heartfelt plea reflects the wider concerns of Ukraine as the conflict persists.
She warned that if Russia were to win the war it initiated, it would be the “worst-case scenario for all humanity.” Highlighting the gravity of the situation, she called on the world not to lose interest in Ukraine, as the conflict is about her country and “the democratic balance of the world.”
As the conflict continues to escalate, the call for faster support from the international community echoes the urgent need to address the situation in Ukraine and the potential ramifications for global stability.
The plea serves as a stark reminder of the human toll of war and the critical importance of swift action to protect the people and the democratic values at stake.
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