Volodymyr Zelenskyy.Photo: Ukrainian Presidency/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Ukrainian PresidentVolodymyr Zelenskyyvisited wounded Ukrainian soldiers in the country’s capital over the weekend, awarding them “orders and medals for courage and dedication” while also honoring staff at the military hospital — the latest of his public appearances projecting defiance inthe face of Russia’s invasion.
During Zelenskyy’s visit on Sunday, which also saw himwalk through the threatened cityon foot, the 44-year-old “spoke with the hospital’s management, asked about the needs of the institution and the special measures taken during the war,” the statement added.
In photos and videos taken during the visit, Zelenskyy was in conspicuously good spirits as he could be seen taking selfies and posing for photos with hospital workers and the wounded soldiers.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy.Ukrainian Presidency/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Zelenskyy, an actor-turned-politician, has been at the center of the Russian invasion since itbegan in force on Feb. 24, addressing his people and the world repeatedly in recent weeks.
“I need ammunition, not a ride,” he has said.
Peace talks between the two countries have so far proved unsuccessful, and Zelenskyy — amarriedJewish father of two — has urged his country to fight back.
“Nobody is going to break us, we’re strong, we’re Ukrainians,“he told the European Unionin a speech in the early days of the fighting, adding, “Life will win over death. And light will win over darkness.”
In an interview with Vice News published lat week from Kyiv, the Ukrainian leader said the only way to solve the war would be through “dialogue” with Putin.
“How to solve this war? Only dialogue. And only dialogue with him — he’s the president of Russia,” Zelenskyy told Vice.
“They came to our land, to our houses, to our children … we didn’t invite them,” he said.
Asked what his message to Putin would be, Zelenskyy said: “Right now, stop the war. Begin to speak. That’s it.”
source: people.com
