The main task for Ukraine at the moment is to preserve the country's territory, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi said in an interview The Washington Post.
He once again stated the need to introduce sanctions against Russia before the possible start of military aggression.
"I think that military support from the Biden administration is stronger than it was before. I would not say whether it is sufficient, but we are not talking about a specific American president. We are facing a hybrid war. We are being attacked: a military attack, cyberattacks and energy attacks, — said Zelensky. — Today, our partners are saying that war may start tomorrow. And if there is a strong escalation from the Russian side, then strong sanctions will be applied. But if we are talking about the sanctions policy and the likelihood of escalation, then the question is, why are you not imposing sanctions now, but are you waiting for escalation? As a country that is building a powerful economy and carrying out reforms, I support the introduction of sanctions now. I asked one leader: "Why do you support sanctions against Russia in the event of an invasion of Ukraine? Why do you need sanctions after we lose the entire territory of Ukraine?".
Zelensky added that it is highly likely that the sanctions introduced after the start of hostilities will not deter Russia's further aggression.
"Sanctions are considered a preventive tool, since they can be applied and then canceled. If there will be an invasion of Russia, will you introduce powerful sanctions after we may have already lost part of the territories? When you introduce sanctions, what will Russia do? ...they will look at you and say: "Listen, we can handle it, we can continue as it was." I think that this is wrong," Zelensky believes.
