Russia wants to first destroy the Ukrainians and Ukraine, and then move on to the destruction of Western states.
President Vladimir Zelensky announced this in his address on March 3.
Rescue operation in Odessa
He reported that today, like yesterday, rescue work continued all day in Odessa, where a Russian UAV Shahed hit a high-rise building.
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— They pulled out the bodies of children from under the rubble. As of this time, 12 deaths are known, including five children. My condolences to family and friends. Five people were rescued. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine, the police, psychologists, and utility workers worked at the scene. I am grateful to all the people who helped, — he said.
Strike on Kurakhovo
Zelensky also commented on the strike of the Russian army on the city of Kurakhovo in the Donetsk region.
— A controlled aerial bomb that hit the roof of one of the houses. Without any other purpose than terror. At least 16 people are injured, and everyone is receiving the necessary assistance. And these are only two such blows, — he said.
Russian airstrikes
In general, the president said, since the beginning of this week alone, Russian terrorists have already used almost 400 guided bombs, more than 50 Shahed UAVs and more than 40 missiles.
— Not a single state in Europe could withstand such pressure, such evil alone. And that is why it is important that we are all together now — everyone who values life and who does not want this terror to come home to other nations. All leaders and all international organizations need to respond to Russia’s actions. And react harshly. Putin doesn’t want any peace — he only wants war and death. He doesn't care who he kills. The main goal — destroy. First Ukraine and Ukrainians. And then you, dear partners, — he said.
Therefore, Vladimir Zelensky emphasized, this is “a matter of survival — and not only Ukraine, — so that the world reacts to Russian evil and puts pressure — pressed, hit back”.
Russian planes shot down
The Ukrainian leader recalled that Ukraine this week shot down seven Russian military aircraft that were dropping bombs.
— Since the beginning of February, Russia has lost 15 military aircraft. This is the correct dynamics of their losses. And the more opportunities we have to shoot down Russian aircraft, the further on our occupied territory we destroy Russian logistics, the more Ukrainian lives will be saved, — he said.
The President emphasized that this war should become “hopeless specifically for Russia, specifically for terrorists”, and the Russians should feel as much as possible that “there is a force that destroys those who want to destroy life”.
— We are capable of providing this. Each partner knows what is needed. Main — political will to implement everything. To give exactly the level of supply that will help. If this does not happen, it will become one of the most shameful pages in history — if America or Europe loses to Iranian suicide bombers or Russian fighters. There is no need to encourage Russian evil either through weak decisions, delays in deliveries or indecisiveness, — he said.
Support for Ukraine from partners
Vladimir Zelensky added that joint successes — Ukraine and partners — should be noticeable.
He noted that Ukraine got through the winter, maintaining energy and avoiding blackouts.
— Russia's energy terror did not work, — he said.
The Ukrainian leader also added that Ukraine continues to restore security in the Black Sea, which is demonstrated by maritime exports working.
The President points out that the Ukrainian Air Force can shoot down more Russian military aircraft and destroy even more Russian logistics in occupied territory, but the only question is the appropriate weapons that the partners have and can be transferred Ukraine”.
— Despite the significant shortage of artillery, our heroic warriors hold back the assaults and defend their positions. It's extremely difficult. These are losses. It is a pain. We are waiting for supplies that are vitally needed, and we are waiting, in particular, for an American decision. And support is really needed, — he said.
Vladimir Zelensky emphasized that it is also necessary to find a solution to the situation, in particular on the Polish border, which “has long gone beyond the limits of both economics and morality”.
— It is simply impossible to explain how the complexities of a bleeding country can be exploited in internal political struggles. However, we will get through this too. I am confident that Ukraine is able to withstand, achieve its goals and defeat Russian terror. Together we can ensure this, — he said.
