Preparing for the long war: an interview with President Zelensky
Sep 11, 2023
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Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, shares insights on the ongoing war against Russia and the pressing need for resilience as it evolves into a long-term conflict. He discusses military readiness and international diplomacy, emphasizing the challenges in securing Western support. The conversation digs into the importance of balancing military strategy with preserving life, public morale, and navigating complex political dynamics, highlighting the urgency for European allies to act as the situation grows increasingly dire.
Ukraine's success in the prolonged war depends on obtaining necessary weaponry and consistent support from the West.
Financial support from the United States, UK, and the European Union is crucial for Ukraine's ability to financially cope with a longer war.
Deep dives
Ukraine faces new challenges as the war gets longer and more complex
The podcast episode discusses how Ukraine is facing new challenges as the war with Russia continues to drag on. It highlights that the conflict is becoming more complex and lengthy than anticipated. The episode emphasizes the need for consistent support from the West in terms of military resources, economic aid, and diplomatic backing. President Zelensky expresses the difficulties of sustaining a prolonged war and the importance of obtaining the necessary weaponry to achieve success. He also touches on the importance of public support and the need to convince partner countries to stay committed to Ukraine's cause.
The interview reveals President Zelensky's reflections on the war and diplomatic challenges
The interview with President Zelensky showcases his reflections on the war in Ukraine and the diplomatic challenges the country is facing. The podcast highlights how Zelensky's tone has shifted since the last interview, with a greater recognition that the war may be a long-haul situation. Zelensky expresses his determination and readiness for a protracted conflict, but also acknowledges the difficulty of sustaining public morale in the face of such a lengthy war. He reveals insights into the ongoing counter-offensive, the importance of external support, and his concern about potential pressure for diplomatic negotiations with Russia.
The economic resilience and the message of staying the course
The episode delves into the economic challenges faced by Ukraine and the potential risks of over-reliance on foreign assistance. President Zelensky mentions the importance of financial support from the United States, UK, and the European Union and the potential consequences if this support is diminished. The podcast emphasizes how Ukraine's ability to financially cope with a longer war is crucial. Zelensky's message is clear: if partners do not help Ukraine, it will be difficult to resist Russia, potentially leading to occupation. The episode also touches on Zelensky's strategy for persuading partner countries and their publics to stay committed to Ukraine's cause.
As the counter-offensive continues, Ukrainian forces are running out of time to make substantial gains. Diplomatic attempts to isolate Russia have failed and progress on the front lines is slowing. From the capital Kyiv, the president tells The Economist’s editor-in-chief how the country is bracing for a long war.
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