“The Russian invasion of Ukraine was intended only as a beginning.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was intended only as the beginning and that Russia wants to “capture other countries”.
He was speaking in a video address posted to Telegram on Friday (22 April) where he referenced comments from a senior Russian commander who stated that Russia wants to establish full control over southern Ukraine.
According to Reuters, Russian military commander Rustam Minnekaev was quoted in state media as saying this would improve Russian access to Moldova’s pro-Russian breakaway region of Transdniestria, which borders Ukraine.
“Today with reference to the Russian military, the news was spread that their task now is allegedly to establish control over the south of Ukraine and reach the Moldovan border,” Zelensky said.
“This only confirms what I have said many times: the Russian invasion of Ukraine was intended only as a beginning.
“Then they want to capture other countries.
“Of course, we will defend ourselves as long as necessary to break the ambition of the Russian Federation.
“But all nations that, like us, believe in the victory of life over death must fight with us.
“They have to help us because we are first on this path. And who is next?
“If anyone who can become next wants to stay neutral today so as not to lose anything, this is the riskiest bet because you will lose everything.”
Zelensky also said the Ukrainian armed forces continue to deter attacks from Russia in the east and south of Ukraine.
“The Izyum direction, Donbas, Pryazovia, Mariupol, the Kherson region are the places where the fate of this war and the future of our State is being decided.
“I am grateful to each of our defenders who are bravely holding on, teaching the Russian army the idea that Russia’s chances in this war may be less than Ukraine’s.”
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