Ukraine needs as big a supply of weapons as possible because our country pays a very high price every day defending the values of a democratic world in the fight against the aggressor. This was stated by Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak in an interview to leading international journalist of the American television company CNN Christiane Amanpour.
Andriy Yermak noted that Ukraine does not see any real confirmation of Russia's statements on the withdrawal of troops from certain areas of the frontline.
"We believe they have changed their strategy and plans. Unfortunately, this does not mean stopping the war. I can say that the situation remains pretty difficult. I especially want to dwell on the humanitarian situation - everything is very bad," he said.
The Head of the President's Office stressed that Mariupol is in a catastrophic situation, where people are dying without food and water, and the Russians do not allow them to leave the city.
"The Russians did not allow the residents to leave the city. Russian troops have taken thousands of residents to Russia," said Andriy Yermak.
According to him, the catastrophe in Mariupol is very similar to the blockade of Leningrad during World War II.
"Our Ukrainian position is very open and very transparent: we want to stop this war, we want Russian troops to be withdrawn from our territory. We insist on opening the humanitarian corridors, especially from Mariupol," said the Head of the President's Office.
Andriy Yermak stressed that the Ukrainian delegation continues difficult talks with the Russians, and the meeting in Istanbul is a confirmation of such a dialogue.
"I can say that we have very principled positions, and we do not want to compromise on our independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty. We are ready to continue the discussion, our delegation works around the clock seven days a week in a video format. Yesterday (March 29 - ed.) it happened live. I have a little optimism about that. We are continuing this conversation," said the Head of the Office of the President.
Andriy Yermak noted that in his addresses to the parliaments of the world, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasizes the need to increase weaponry supplies to Ukraine.
"We do not have enough weapons. And we need it to continue our struggle," he said.
The Head of the Office of the President hopes that all partner states of Ukraine understand that today our country pays an exorbitant price for its freedom, so the issue of weaponry supply is very important.
"The whole world can see that Ukrainians are a nation that will never stop fighting because we are fighting for our land. We are fighting for our country. We are fighting for the whole democratic world," he said.
Andriy Yermak also emphasized that Volodymyr Zelenskyy is a very brave man focused on results.
"He is the absolute leader of our nation. He is a man who gives the necessary energy and courage to all Ukrainians, the whole world, all people. Because I am absolutely convinced that the people of the world support Ukrainians, they made their choice. And we can see thousands of people on the streets in different cities around the world. And we will win, Ukraine will be the winner. We are sure of that. But it is necessary to do it as soon as possible," the Head of the President's Office stressed.