Zelensky has urged Biden and Macron to not create panic over threats of invasion by Russia
The President of Ukraine – Volodymyr Zelensky has urged the President of United States (U.S.) – Joe Biden and the President of France – Emmanuel Macron to not to hurt Ukrainian economy by creating panic of a possible invasion by Russia.
He urged Biden and Macron is separate phone calls to not to create hype. While he acknowledged their sincere efforts, he said that world leaders have been overstating the likelihood of war between, causing panic and destabilizing Kyiv’s economy. He also expressed displeasure over U.S. asking its Embassy officials to leave Ukraine. The U.S. made it clear that despite the departure of American family members of Embassy personnel, the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv remains open and fully operational.
Taking it to twitter, Zelensky tweeted,
Had a long phone conversation with @POTUS. Discussed recent diplomatic efforts on de-escalation and agreed on joint actions for the future. Thanked President @JoeBiden for the ongoing military assistance. Possibilities for financial support to Ukraine were also discussed. pic.twitter.com/pAsQLYAuig
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 27, 2022
Speaking to media, Zelensky said that though the threat from the Kremlin is “imminent and constant,” Ukrainians have “learned to live” with it since Moscow invaded in 2014.
Zelensky told reporters, “They are saying tomorrow is the war. This means panic.”
The exact severity of the threat posed by Russia remains unclear and has reportedly been a point of contention between Zelensky and Biden.
He also said, “We are grateful to the U.S. for the support for our independence and territorial integrity. But I am the president of Ukraine, I am here and I know more details and I have deeper knowledge than any other president.”
His remarks come amid increasingly strong U.S. warnings about Russia’s plans to invade Ukraine. “I am not saying escalation could not happen. We have been saying this for eight years already and part of our territories are already occupied,” said Zelensky
He also said that the ball, right now, appears to be in the Kremlin’s court. The U.S. and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) have submitted separate written responses to Russia’s publicly aired concerns. It is to be noted that Russia has demanded NATO should withdraw its troops and weapons from Ukraine and NATO should not include any new members, including Ukraine. Both U.S. and NATO have rejected this Russian demand.
Besides, economic aid to Ukraine is also becoming an increasingly urgent issue. Ukraine needs as much as U.S. $ 5 billion to stabilize the economy. The Ukrainian currency – Hyrvnia has dropped 8.4% against the U.S. dollar.
Separately, the Prime Minister of United Kingdom (U.K.) – Boris Johnson will telephone the President of Russia – Vladimir Putin and visit Eastern Europe in the coming days as the UK steps up its diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine border crisis.
