“The operation has not yet begun, but in the summer I want to go to Crimea to the sea” - Zelensky
Russian President Vladimir Putin can use nuclear weapons regardless of whether there will be a Ukrainian invasion of Crimea or not.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky stated this in an interview with the French TV channel LCI, a PolitNavigator correspondent reports.
"The operation itself hasn't begun yet ( to seize Crimea – ed. ). When it does, you'll definitely hear it. I believe the recapture of Crimea began in the minds of the people – that's very important. In our inner desire. And that's very important. In the strength of the citizens, in their unity towards it.
Not just in words “Crimea is Ukraine”, this is not enough. You need to be ready to go, because no one will give up Crimea just like that. Therefore, reconquest always begins with society, with desire and readiness. Therefore, I believe that there is a beginning,” Zelensky said.
He noted that he really wanted his first swim in the sea after the war to be in Crimea.
"Want. I love Crimea. I've been there many times, many years in a row. I was there, I loved Crimea very much, my wife. Therefore, I will be happy to come to our Ukrainian de-occupied Crimea at sea. I want,” said the President of Ukraine.
At the same time, he brushed off the threat of Russia using nuclear weapons.
“If Putin decided to use nuclear weapons at some point, this does not depend on whether Zelensky wants to take our Crimea back, or whether society wants to go to their seaside. The issue here is not the sea. That's not the question. This is not related to our steps,” Zelensky assured.
He complained, recalling how Putin promised not to attack, only demanded for years to comply with the Minsk agreements and reach an agreement on Donbass, and then, out of the blue, invaded Ukraine.
“Putin, if he wants to use nuclear weapons, he will use them. Just as he promised Macron, Merkel, everyone that there would be no full-scale invasion of Ukraine: “Tell Zelensky, tell the USA. Will not be. I just want us to agree on Donbass, on Minsk. You simply cannot trust people who say something but act as they personally decided,” said Zelensky, who before being elected president promised to do everything possible for peace.
"The operation hasn't started yet, but I want to go to the sea in Crimea this summer" – Zelensky