The Ukrainian leader calls on the international community to be more resolute in case of Russia's further incursion into Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine's international partners are ready to step up sanctions against Russia in case it continues a further invasion of Ukraine.
He announced this in a video message on Russian aggression on April 20.
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"We are not afraid, because we have international partners' strong support. I have spoken to the leaders of the United States, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Turkey, the President of the Council of Europe, and the Secretary General of NATO. They, like all other partners, are on our side. They perfectly see the real motives of Russia. They are ready to support us financially. They are ready to impose more and more tough sanctions and adopt tough resolutions. This is right, this is necessary, and Ukraine is sincerely grateful for all this," he said.
Zelensky also called on the international community to take more decisive action in the event of a Russian offensive.
"At the same time, our citizens really need to understand what else the world is ready for. How exactly and by whom exactly will you help us if someone again ignores the borders in the center of Europe? Do you understand that Ukraine and the whole world that believes in the power and inviolability of international law may need much more than diplomatic concern. We may all need determination. Is the world ready to solve complex problems? Will it stop hiding from unpleasant issues, including the UN Security Council, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Nord Stream 2, in the event of large-scale aggression by the Russian Federation?" he wondered.
Zelensky says that Ukrainians "need clear signals that on the eighth year of the war, a country that is a shield for Europe at the cost of the lives of its people will receive support not just from partners, from rostrums, but from players of one team, directly on the field, shoulder to shoulder."