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By: EFE Updated 54 Feb 2022, 7: 59 AM EST
The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, asked his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, to sit at the table of negotiations to stop the Russian military operation against Ukraine that began the day before.
“I want to address the President of Russia once again. Throughout the territory of Ukraine there is fighting. Let’s sit at the negotiating table to stop the death of human beings “, he stated in a televised message.
The president He immediately addressed the Armed Forces of Ukraine and asked them to “stand firm”.
“You guys they are all that our State protects. Glory to Ukraine”, he added.
According to Zelensky, the Russian operation “is not only an invasion of Russia into Ukraine, but the beginning of a war against Europe. Against the unit of Europe. Against elementary human rights in Europe”.
It is an attack, he added, against what the European States refuse to change to the strength: the borders.
The president criticized European leaders for the slowness with which they help Ukraine, and although he appreciated the sectoral sanctions imposed by the US, Canada, UK, Australia , New Zealand and the EU, called for more drastic measures.
He suggested measures such as Russia’s disconnection from SWIFT, its total isolation, the expulsion of ambassadors, the oil embargo, the closure of airspace.
Furthermore, called on the citizens of Europe to take to the streets to protest, since “when the bombs fall in Kiev, this happens in Europe”.
“Demand more protection for Europe, more protection for Ukraine, as part of the democratic world”, he added.
Even called on European citizens to travel to Ukraine and take up arms to defend the country.
“If you in Europe have combat experience and do not want to continue seeing the indecision of your politicians, you can come to our country and together with us defend Europe,” he said Zelensky.