SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday called for calm and said his country is “strong” and ready for any escalation as tensions escalate with Russia. “We are strong, we are ready for anything,” Zelenskyy said after meeting with President Moon Jae-in of South Korea in Kyiv. “We do not believe that there will be a broad escalation, but we are taking all necessary steps.” His comments came after warnings from the United States and NATO that Russia appears to be preparing to invade Ukraine. The U.S. has said that Russia has amassed a force of more than 100,000 troops near the border with Ukraine, along with tanks, artillery and other military hardware. Russia has denied planning an invasion, but it has also said that it will take action to protect its interests in Ukraine. The Kremlin has accused the U.S. of “hysteria” and “provocations.” The tensions between Russia and Ukraine have been simmering for years. Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine in 2014 and has since backed separatists in eastern Ukraine in a conflict that has killed more than 14,000 people. The current crisis began in November, when Russia began massing troops near the Ukrainian border. The U.S. and NATO have urged Russia to withdraw its troops, but Moscow has refused. The West has threatened to impose severe economic sanctions on Russia if it invades Ukraine. The U.S. has also said that it will provide military assistance to Ukraine. The situation in Ukraine is highly volatile and could escalate quickly. The U.S. and NATO have said that they are prepared to respond to any Russian aggression. In his meeting with Moon, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine is grateful for South Korea’s support. He said that South Korea has been a “reliable partner” to Ukraine, both economically and politically. Moon expressed his hope that the crisis in Ukraine will be resolved peacefully. He said that South Korea will continue to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The two leaders also discussed ways to strengthen economic cooperation between South Korea and Ukraine. They agreed to establish a joint committee on economic cooperation. Zelenskyy’s visit to South Korea was part of a tour of several Asian countries. He has also visited Japan and India. The Ukrainian president is seeking to build support for his country as tensions with Russia escalate. He has called on the international community to stand up to Russia’s aggression and to impose tough sanctions if Russia invades Ukraine..
Amid Warnings of War, Ukraine President Calls for Calm | Korea Herald
