Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reveals ‘hardest question’ from Australia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed the “hardest question” he has been asked during a major speech in Canberra.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has told Australia that Russia alone holds the responsibility to heal the relationship between the two eastern European nations.
Mr Zelensky addressed a packed auditorium at The Australian National University in Canberra on Wednesday evening before taking questions from students from 21 universities across the country.
Asked by Kyle from the Queensland University of Technology if Russia-Ukraine relations could ever reach good terms, Mr Zelensky said “most probably this is the hardest question” he could be asked.
“Nobody wants to have anything in common with people who did all those things to our people,” Mr Zelensky said, speaking through an interpreter over video link.
“Is it possible or not in the future? It will depend only on Russia.
“I don’t even know if we can have this. Every family has lost something.”
Mr Zelensky noted he was delivering his speech on the 161st day of the bloody war sparked by Russia’s invasion of his homeland.
The rolling conflict in Ukraine has killed more than 1600 civilians, according to United Nations’ estimates, and left Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin, facing international condemnation and allegations of war crimes.
The war has also had worldwide ramifications for inflation, with Ukrainian-produced staples such as wheat now in short supply.
It has also driven up the price of petrol and created a shortfall of energy supplies as Ukrainian allies wean themselves off Russian coal and gas as a result of their sanctions condemning the invasion.
Mr Zelensky said on Wednesday he never thought the reality in Ukraine would be even more terrifying than “the scariest movies”.
He said was very thankful to Australians and the federal government for their “significant support” including military assistance.
The Albanese government and its Coalition predecessor have together contributed some $388m in military assistance to Ukraine.
Mr Zelensky said his country would be grateful for continued support from Australia to “help conquer evil”, reminding the audience the war was not over.
Asked by ANU student Liam if he was hopeful a post-Putin Russia would be able to become a democracy and join the mainstream global community, Mr Zelensky recalled the transformation of Nazi Germany.
“It depends only on one country – it’s Russia,” he said.
“It was a fascist Germany but then Germany found the power to recognise the tragedy as a great tragic mistake of their nation, of their people.
“They have chosen another path to recognise themselves as guilty and move on. Russia will have this opportunity for sure.”
ANU student Olivia posed the final question of the session and ended things on a lighter note, asking Mr Zelensky how he felt about Ukraine’s third ever victory in the 2022 Eurovision song contest.
The Ukrainian president said he thought culture, sport and science held great significance in times of war.
“Even more important than in the peacetime,” he said.
Mr Zelensky received two standing ovations at the end of his appearance at the ANU.
Ukraine’s Ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, wrapped up the evening with a short speech of his own.
He received a round of applause after mentioning he had contributed behind the scenes to Ukraine’s Eurovision victory in 2004.
Originally published as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reveals ‘hardest question’ from Australia
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