Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that the rhetoric of civilised countries towards Russia must match its threats. He warned that if Russia threatens a blackout in Kyiv, it should expect the same to happen in Moscow.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that the rhetoric of civilised countries towards Russia must match its threats. He warned that if Russia threatens a blackout in Kyiv, it should expect the same to happen in Moscow.

Source: Zelenskyy at a press conference on Saturday 27 September

Details: Zelenskyy told journalists that during their latest meeting, he had briefed US President Donald Trump on “the realities from the battlefield and some vision of what may happen”.

Quote: "We should not be overly cautious in rhetoric with the Russians if they issue threats. I believe civilised countries must take the same tone. It seems to me wrong to deal with the uncivilised in a civilised manner, both in rhetoric and in more substantive actions on the battlefield and towards Russia.

When Russia sets out every winter to cut power in Ukraine, I see no reason why our response and that of our partners should be any different. Russia must clearly understand that civilised nations differ from the barbaric in that they never strike first and are not aggressors, but that does not mean they are weak. Showing weakness is not an option. If they threaten a blackout, for example, in the capital of Ukraine, then the Kremlin must know there will be a blackout in the capital of Russia."

More details: Zelenskyy said that he had discussed this with Trump.

Background: After his meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump unexpectedly said he is optimistic about Ukraine’s chances of restoring control over its territory within internationally recognised borders.

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