Zelensky shuns Russian language as nation's protest grows
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky explained why he doesn't give interviews in Russian. He emphasised that it is a matter of respect and a response to Russia's aggression.
In a conversation with American podcaster Lex Fridman, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky explained why he does not give interviews in Russian. Zelensky noted that despite his excellent command of Russian, he cannot respond in the language of the aggressor that attacks his country daily.
- Just today we had 73 missile attacks, people died, and this is a daily reality - said Zelensky.
Zelensky recalled that at the beginning of the war, he addressed Russians in Russian, but there was no reaction. "They are mute. They don't hear. Some are afraid. The reasons vary," the president explained. He added that he would like to give interviews in Ukrainian, which is important to him.
Russian in Ukraine
During the conversation, Lex Fridman asked if the information that Russians are banned in Ukraine was true. Zelensky denied it, saying, "That's false. Today, we lack respect for Russians because of them."
- I do not respect the leader, the dictator of today's Russia, nor that nation. I simply don't understand how one can pretend that nothing is happening - he added.
He reminded that during the "rescue of Russian-speaking people" Russia killed many of them, mainly in eastern Ukraine. According to studies, after the war began, 62 per cent of Ukrainians completely abandoned Russian-language content.
Zelensky addressed the Russians
Let's recall that in 2022 Zelensky appealed to Russians to refuse military call-ups, flee, or – if they end up at the front – surrender.
"Russian commanders do not care about the lives of Russians – they just need to fill the empty places that were left by those who were killed, wounded, those who fled or were captured" – said Zelensky in an evening address, speaking to Russians in their language.
Source: ukrinform.ua/PAP
