- Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky discussed Russia’s ongoing attack with CNN and Reuters on Tuesday.
- The leader rejected global praise for his newfound status as a wartime leader.
- “It’s very serious. This is not a movie,” he told CNN. “I am not emblematic, I think Ukraine is emblematic.
Less than a week has passed since Russian forces invaded Ukraine, but Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky – a former comedian and actor who became a statesman – quickly won worldwide acclaim for his tough presence and defiant behavior in the face of growing danger.
The 44-year-old has refused to evacuate the capital, Kyiv, although Russian forces continue to advance, broadcasting video updates and arousing speeches from an undiscovered, high-security site near the city center.
On Tuesday, Zelensky took part in an exclusive interview with CNN and Reuters from the bunker in Kyiv, in which he led his country’s military response.
The Ukrainian president discussed a number of topics, including the state of the ceasefire talks with Russia, the possibility of a NATO-imposed no-fly zone over Russia, and the broad consequences for Europe as a whole if Ukraine falls.
But when asked by CNN about his path from a television performer to a global military leader, Zelenski dismissed the praise.
“It’s very serious. This is not a movie, “he told the publication. “I am not emblematic, I think Ukraine is emblematic.
“Ukraine is the heart of Europe and now I think Europe sees Ukraine as something special to this world,” he added. “That’s why [the] the world cannot lose this special thing. “
Earlier on Tuesday, Zelenski received a standing ovation after delivering an emotional speech to the European Parliament via video address.
CNN said the president was friendly but looked exhausted. Video from the interview shows unshaven Zelensky wearing a plain T-shirt and khaki pants. He told the media that he had not seen his family for three days.
“I work and sleep,” Zelenski said, describing his daily life.
But despite the chaos, the president maintained a strong front.
When asked by Reuters how long Ukraine will last, Zelensky said: “We can’t stand it, we fight and our nation will fight to the end. This is our home, we protect our land, our homes. For the sake of our children’s future. “
The president is complaining about reports of dying children across the country.
“We have something to defend, we are defending our right to life. And what they are [the Russians] are you doing here They do not understand our people, our country, our philosophy, “he told Reuters.” They know nothing here, they are sent here to kill and die. That is why we are stronger on our own land and we will be stronger. “