Zelensky explained his attitude to men who travelled outside Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that he does not have a homogeneous opinion about citizens who left the country during the war. According to him, the return of men of mobilisation age could ease the burden on the Armed Forces by allowing the military to rotate and take leave more often. The head of state said this in an interview with Czech Radio.

The war in Ukraine has been going on since 2014, and people's perception of it has been changing. Some considered it a problem only for those who are fighting, but after the full-scale invasion, many people have rethought their attitude," Zelensky said.

The President stressed that people left for different reasons: some people fled the war, some moved their families out, some could not stand it mentally, some deliberately avoided mobilisation.

We cannot evaluate everyone equally. The war brought grief to everyone, but people who lost their loved ones are not comparable to anyone," he said.

Zelensky also thanked those who stayed in Ukraine.

Thanks to the millions of citizens who stayed, Ukraine has survived as a state. There is a sense of respect for those who are here and support the country," he said.

At the same time, the president stressed that he treats with understanding those who are forced to stay abroad.

Zelensky paid special attention to the return of men of mobilisation age.

The issue is not only the freedom of choice, but also the opportunity to help those who are on the front line. Returning home gives military men a chance to rest, see their relatives and gain strength," he said.

At the same time, the president emphasised the importance of trust at the front.

The military must know who is close to them, because their lives depend on it. Forced return does not guarantee the strengthening of the army - not only people, but also their readiness, motive and understanding of the situation are important," he explained.

Zelenskyy gave examples of those who first took their families abroad and then returned to Ukraine to serve. But, according to him, not everyone can be "reached".

Of course, I invite people to return, but it is important that they want to do so themselves. The more of our young people of mobilisation age return, the easier it will be for the army and the country," the president concluded.