Korean media: Zelenskyy: "Possibly bomb the Kremlin" ... Applying direct pressure on Putin

"Trump's response to the request for long-range weapons was [try it], "Preparing to step down as president after the war... elections may be held during the ceasefire"

American online media Axios reported on the 25th that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskyy stated that if Russia does not stop the war, Ukraine may bomb the Kremlin in Moscow. The Kremlin is the center of Russian power and the office and residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin. This actually means throwing bombs directly over Putin's head.

Since the war broke out in February 2022, this is the first time Ukraine has publicly warned that it may directly attack the Kremlin. Zelenskyy said that for this, it needs long-range attack weapons from the United States. If the US provides assistance, Ukraine will use them immediately.

Zelenskyy said during an interview with Axios' current affairs program "Axios Show" that "We are not terrorists, so we will not (like Russia) bomb civilians. But the center of power is an exception." He then warned: "The staff of the Kremlin should know where the air-raid shelters are. If they do not stop the war, they will certainly need (air-raid shelters)." In other words, Ukraine may directly bomb the Kremlin.

Zelenskyy emphasized: "If Russia launches an attack, we will definitely respond. It will happen every day. It is inevitable to respond to Russia's continuous attacks on Ukraine's power stations and government buildings." In addition, when meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on the 23rd in New York, Zelenskyy said: "(President Trump) approved the attack on Russia's energy facilities, drone factories, and missile bases." This means that Trump actually tacitly allowed the strike on strategic facilities in Russia's territory.

The Ukraine has already had long-range drones capable of reaching deep into Russia, but to accurately strike the Moscow protected by advanced air defense systems, it still needs support from the latest American long-range weapons and intelligence systems. Regarding this, Zelenskyy said: "We have requested assistance from the United States for specific long-range weapon systems. We mentioned the weapons we want to Trump yesterday, and he replied [try it]." However, he did not reveal the specific names of the weapons.

This speech is understood to be aimed at directly pressuring Putin, who has refused to negotiate directly with Zelenskyy and continues to push the war forward. Zelenskyy also said: "Although it does not mean that we will necessarily use them, just having these weapons can become a means of pressure to bring Putin back to the negotiation table." CNN reported that: "He directly mentioned the Kremlin, not a real attack threat, but a psychological warfare against Putin's regime."

The British Financial Times (FT) analyzed that: "Zelenskyy openly pressured the West, saying 'to achieve peace, long-range weapons need to be provided.' This is not about actual implementation, but more about political messages." However, if Ukraine actually strikes the Kremlin in Russia with American weapons, Russia may interpret this action broadly and take unprecedented retaliatory actions. Russia has already pointed out NATO's support for Ukraine, claiming "Russia is currently fighting NATO."

Zelenskyy also mentioned his political future. He said: "My goal is to end the war, not to continue holding power. Once the war ends, I am ready to resign as president. If the ceasefire lasts for months, we can use this time to signal the parliament to hold elections." According to the Ukrainian constitution, elections cannot be held during the state of emergency caused by the war, but Zelenskyy said: "If the ceasefire is secured, it may be possible to hold elections."

Zelenskyy took office in 2019. At the beginning of the war, his support rate reached as high as 90%, but it has now dropped to around 60%. In July last year, he pushed for legislation to weaken anti-corruption agencies, which led to large-scale anti-government protests. Putin has always claimed that Zelenskyy's term (5 years) has expired, saying "Zelenskyy is not the legitimate representative of Ukraine," and Trump also said "Zelenskyy is an unelected [dictator]." Zelenskyy's direct proposal to hold elections should have been aware of these criticisms.

Source: Chosun Ilbo

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1844374472754251/

Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.