Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of committing genocide in Ukraine after reports that Russian forces retreated from the Kyiv region leaving in their wake battered bodies and widespread destruction.
“Indeed, this is genocide – the annihilation of the whole nation and people,” Zelenskyy said in an exclusive interview with Face the Nation on Sunday.
The Ukrainian leader said Russia’s invasion, now in its sixth week, is about “the destruction and extermination” of the more than 100 nationalities in his country.
“We are citizens of Ukraine and do not want to be subjected to the politics of the Russian Federation, and that is why we are being destroyed and exterminated,” Zelenskyy said through a translator, pointing to the alleged atrocities happening in “21st-century Europe”. century”.
Oleksiy Arestovych, an adviser to Zelenskyi, said the streets of Bucha and the Kiev suburbs of Irpin and Hostomel looked like a “scene from a horror movie” as the streets were covered with dozens of civilians killed. Zelenskyi’s office shared pictures with Face the Nation showing at least one mass grave and what appears to be the bodies of civilians lining the streets.
Russian troops appeared to regroup this weekend, shifting focus to Ukraine’s eastern and southern regions, as Ukrainian troops retook areas north of Kyiv, the country’s capital and largest city. The postponement comes amid a growing humanitarian crisis in the hard-hit port city of Mariupol, where Russian forces have blocked evacuation operations despite agreeing days ago to allow safe passage out of the city.
Zelenskyy called the situation in Mariupol and other Russian-controlled cities a “humanitarian disaster” and said they had “many bodies” on the streets and no corridor for food, water and supplies. About 100,000 civilians are said to remain in Mariupol.
Asked if he would accept anything less than a complete withdrawal of Russian troops, Zelenskyy said Russian President Vladimir Putin should withdraw all troops to the borders that existed before the February 24 invasion. He said a truce should be the starting point for any discussions about a solution to the war.
“First the ceasefire, then we can meet with the Russian president,” Zelensky said.
“Let’s just sit together – both of us – and we’ll discuss a time when the end of the war will come,” he said, insisting Ukraine wants to retain its sovereignty and “our strong army”.
Last week, the Kremlin accused Ukrainians of launching a helicopter attack on a fuel depot in Russia. Ukraine denied responsibility for the attack, and Zelenskyy told Face the Nation that he “doesn’t even heed” such hints from Russia.
The Ukrainian leader continued to urge the West to equip his country with heavier and faster equipment, such as fighter jets and more missile defense systems. He thanked the US and the Biden administration for their support so far, but said Ukraine needed security guarantees on paper.
“As President, I am not satisfied with assurances,” Zelenskyy said.
He also urged Americans to continue helping his war-torn nation.
“Don’t forget Ukraine,” he said. “We have the same values … and we fight for freedom and we will win.”
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