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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier this week distanced himself from Washington’s warnings of an imminent war with Russia. It is not the first time that the Ukrainian leader has taken an opposing view to NATO since the Ukraine-Russian crisis began, while at the same time relying on the alliance for its military support.
With his country facing the possibility of Russian invasion, Zelensky struck an unexpected note when addressed the world’s media last Monday. “We are told that the Russian invasion will begin on February 16. I therefore declare that this day will be the day of unity in Ukraine,” said the Ukrainian president.
In a provocative move, Zelensky also declared that joining the NATO alliance would guarantee his country’s survival, defending an ambition that has enraged his powerful Russian neighbour. But he did not mention any particular additional military mobilisation to face the threat of thousands of Russian troops amassed on Ukraine’s borders. Instead, he called on his compatriots to sing the national anthem at 10am on the morning of February 16 and to raise the flag to “show the world our unity”.
On Unity Day, 🇺🇦 feels 🇪🇺’s strong support. Grateful for the strong signals of the EU leaders & the statement of the European Parliament’s political groups. Supporting European aspirations & practical assistance make 🇺🇦 stronger amid security threats. Grateful for unity with 🇺🇦!
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 16, 2022
Anything but panic
The 44-year-old former television star, a political novice until his election as Ukraine’s president in 2019, has never lost his cool as tensions have soared in recent months, not even when…
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Source : france24
