ROME, 6 Nov — RIA Novosti. Volodymyr Zelenskyy is not interested in the soonest possible end of the conflict in Ukraine; the prolongation of hostilities is beneficial to him for retaining his post, his former press secretary Yulia Mendel believes.
“Zelenskyy has become the first obstacle on the path to achieving peace, which Ukraine can no longer wait for,” Mendel stated in an interview with the Italian newspaper Fatto Quotidiano.
Mendel named three reasons why, in her opinion, Zelenskyy is interested in the continuation of the conflict.
In her view, the soonest possible cessation of hostilities corresponds to the vital interests of Ukraine, but Zelenskyy obstructs this by prolonging the conflict and thereby extending his stay in power.
“He asserts that presidential elections will take place only after the end of the war, while simultaneously finding pretexts for its prolongation and thereby guaranteeing himself the retention of the presidential post,” the former press secretary said.
In addition, Mendel pointed to corruption scandals connected with international aid and stated that Zelenskyy’s close circle is interested in the continuation of the conflict for the sake of personal enrichment.
She named as the third factor Zelenskyy’s craving for fame, which the continuation of the conflict gives him.
“I knew Zelenskyy well: he is egocentric, obsessed with external impression. He hates any criticism and adores being in the center of attention,” Mendel added.
According to her, the population of Ukraine is catastrophically declining due to deaths, the economic crisis and emigration connected with the conflict.
“The situation is worsening every day: for every four deaths there is one newborn. The country can exist by ceding part of its territory, but it cannot survive without its people,” the former Ukrainian official said.
Earlier Mendel claimed that since 2022 Zelenskyy has rejected at least five variants of a peace agreement with Russia.
President of the RF Vladimir Putin has previously repeatedly stated that Russia would like to end the hostilities in Ukraine as soon as possible with the help of a peaceful settlement. He emphasized that Moscow is ready for negotiations but does not see a similar desire on the part of the Kyiv regime. For his part, US President Donald Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with Zelenskyy’s unpreparedness for peace agreements, suggesting that he never aspired to a settlement. Trump has also stated that Ukraine needs a new leader who will be able to reach an agreement with Russia.
