Zelensky to protesters: I will never surrender Ukraine
The head of state said this in a video address posted on his website on Thursday, October 3.
"Maybe I will upset someone now, but 'betrayal' is canceled. I'll explain why, and I urge you to hear me," Zelensky said, addressing the Ukrainians.
According to him, there is one platform where the end of the war and the return of all Ukrainian territories can be discussed at the highest level, and this is a meeting in the Normandy format.
The head of state stressed that such a meeting could not take place in the near future, as there was an obstacle to this - "the biggest horror story of recent weeks - the Steinmeier formula."
Zelensky explained the basic principles of this "road map." First and foremost, it does not envisage the recognition by Ukraine of the annexation of Crimea and the renouncement of Donbas, as well as the fact that elections in Donbas "will be held tomorrow at the barrel of machine guns," he said.
"This formula means only one thing - when the so-called law on the special status of Donbas should start working. Namely, after the local elections there, which will be held under the Constitution of Ukraine, the legislation of Ukraine, and after the publication of the OSCE report that the elections were held in accordance with international democratic standards. That's what Ukraine agreed with in Minsk," he said.
He said that the Ukrainian side had not signed any joint agreements with the so-called LPR or DPR.
"We have sent a separate letter to Mr. Sajdik confirming the agreement of the position on the text of this formula," Zelensky said.
He also said that he respected the constitutional right of every citizen of Ukraine to protest. "I hear you and believe me - I will never surrender Ukraine!" Zelensky said.
Zelensky said on October 1 that Ukraine had approved the text of the so-called "Steinmeier formula." According to him, it provides for the adoption in Ukraine of a temporary law on a special status for Donbas, which will be permanent if the OSCE recognizes local elections in these territories as democratic.
At the same time, a number of Ukrainian parties, activists and public figures strongly criticized the possibility of signing this "road map." In their opinion, the security part of the Minsk agreements must be implemented first. It means that the withdrawal of troops and the regaining of Ukraine's control over the border should precede the elections and the discussion of the status of Donbas.
op
