Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave an interview to American journalist Ben Shapiro, in which he spoke frankly about the main challenges facing the country during a full-scale war. Key topics include mobilization, the fight against corruption, Russia's global ambitions, and international support. The first part of the interview appeared online on the evening of April 24.
Mobilization will continue as long as the war continues.
The President emphasized that the mobilization process in Ukraine continues in accordance with the law and is necessary in wartime. At the same time, Zelensky emphasized that a significant part of the Defense Forces fighters are volunteers who themselves decided to defend their country.
"In Ukraine, there are now 600,000-800,000 people who have voluntarily joined the army. Yes, there is a law on mobilization, but these are people who consciously made this choice," he said.
Zelensky also acknowledged that there are individual cases of harsh mobilization, but such incidents, he said, are not a mass phenomenon and are being considered by the relevant authorities.
Russia wants to destroy the United States
In a conversation with Shapiro, Zelensky expressed his belief that Russia's strategic goal is not only to conquer Ukraine, but also to destroy the United States. This, he said, is an ideology that dates back to the times of the USSR.
"The Russians have always wanted and want the destruction of the United States. This is the policy of the Soviet Union, which they have not changed," Zelensky noted.
The President emphasized that Ukraine is currently defending not only its freedom, but also the interests of the West: "We are fighting for your rights as well as ours.".
Ukraine is a NATO shield.
The President compared Ukraine to a human shield for the Western world, which deters Russian aggression.
"As long as the Russians are not in NATO countries, your families are not faced with the question of whether to send their child to war or not," Zelensky said.
Corruption does not affect military aid
Zelenskyy separately touched on the topic of control over international aid. According to him, a transparent reporting system has been created in Ukraine, and foreign inspectors from the US and EU countries have been involved.
"We immediately said: we are open to any inspections. We have everything under accountability, everything is transparent," he emphasized.
On the religious situation
In response to accusations of oppression of religious freedoms, Zelensky stressed that religious tolerance reigns in Ukraine. According to him, there is no religious pressure in the country, and various confessions coexist peacefully.
Ukraine seeks peace, but not at the price of surrender.
The President also recalled that Ukraine is ready for peace, but not ready for a "big compromise" - negotiations with those it considers terrorists. Zelensky said this during a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
