Zelensky named the main goals of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Ukraine continues its counteroffensive in the east and south of the country.
At a minimum, the Ukrainian army must liberate the territory that was captured by the Russians after February 24 from the invaders. At the same time, the maximum task is to de-occupy the entire territory of Ukraine and reach the internationally recognized borders of 1991. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky in an interview with the BBC .
Today, the minimum task is to reach the line that was before the 24th. Why? This is the first stage, and it is very important, because the people who are now occupied by Russia simply cannot stand living in basements, living without pensions or salaries, living without food, you understand? - he said.
At the same time, the president noted that the Ukrainian side does not have accurate data on how many people actually live under occupation. Also, the authorities of the country do not know what situation people are in, whether they need money for food, what kind of medical and social assistance they need. There is no data on the number of Ukrainians killed by Russian invaders in the occupied territories.
But our main plan, this finish, as you say, is, of course, our entire territory in accordance with international law, within the internationally recognized borders of 1991 - that is, inclusive of the Donbass, the now occupied parts of our Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as well as Crimea. All this is our territory. I believe that this is absolutely fair," Zelensky stressed.
At the same time, Zelensky noted that this goal is quite achievable. He added that reaching the borders of Ukraine in 1991 is important, because if this is not done, Russia will always have the opportunity to again go to the seizure of Ukraine.
Why is it so bad to have the Donbass divided, as it was before the 24th? Yes, we planned, we said that let's resolve this issue diplomatically. But a divided Donbas is the risk of a return to war, that's what I'm talking about. So I think it needs to end,” he said.
Zelensky noted that when Ukrainian border guards and authorities return to the lands liberated from the invaders, this will mean victory.