The President of Ukraine, Volodymir Zelensky, delivered a message to the nation in which he stated that "Russia's recognition of the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics is a violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state." He also called on his compatriots to remain calm.
"Ukraine is ready for anything that will happen, but it is committed to a political solution to the conflict and cannot be fooled by provocations," - said Zelensky. The president firmly stated that Ukraine will defend its territory. "We're on our own land. We are not afraid of anything or anyone. We owe nothing to anyone. And we will not give anything back to anyone" - he assured.
"It is important to see who our faithful friend and partner is. There is no basis for chaotic actions. We want peace. It's not about 2014. It's 2022. It's a different Ukraine.”
According to the Ukrainian president, Russia's actions against the self-proclaimed republics should be read as "a unilateral withdrawal from the Minsk agreements".
