Kiev: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday rejected France's call for an Olympic truce this summer, saying it would only help move Russian troops and equipment in an interview with AFP.
In an interview with AFP news agency on Friday, Zelenskiy said he had spoken to French President Emmanuel Macron, who made the complaint, and was told: “To be honest…Emmanuel, I can't believe it.”
“Who can guarantee that Russia will not use this time to enter its troops into our territory?” Zelenskiy said, adding: “First of all, we do not trust President Putin.”
“We oppose any ceasefire that falls into enemy hands,” he said.
“If it's a cease-fire, an Olympic truce during the Olympics, a ground cease-fire, they will have an advantage,” he said, adding, “They may bring heavy equipment into our territory, but they will not bring anyone. There's a risk that it won't happen.” We'll be able to stop them. ”
Russian President Vladimir Putin also indicated early Friday that his government would not support a proposed cease-fire during this summer's conference in Paris.
During a visit to China, President Putin was asked if he supported Macron's ideas and said, “I think the Olympic principles, including the 'Olympic Truce,' are very correct.''
But he added that “today's international sports officials themselves are violating the principles of the Olympic Charter.”
He accused sports organizations of not allowing “our athletes to participate in games with our flag, our national flag, our national music and our national anthem.”
“They have committed violations against us and are demanding performance from us. That, dear friends, will not get you far. No one has ever reached an agreement like this ' said President Putin.
President Macron on Friday reiterated his idea of an “Olympic truce to halt Russia's current activities” in Ukraine.
Last week, Macron expressed gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping for supporting the idea of a ceasefire in all conflicts, including Ukraine, during the Paris Olympics.
Only 25% of air defense needed
President Zelenskiy also said his country needs more than 100 aircraft to counter Russia's air power, and that Ukraine only has a quarter of the air defenses it needs.
As the war enters its third year, his country faces a surge in devastating attacks and Kiev has stepped up pleas to shore up its exhausted air defenses.
“Currently we have about 25 percent of what we need to defend Ukraine. I'm talking about air defense,” Zelenskyy said.
Russia's current superiority in air power limits Ukraine's ability to defend its cities and maintain its front lines.
Ukrainian authorities are seeking further assistance to counter sustained air and ground attacks.
“Our fleet should have 120 to 130 modern aircraft to protect the skies from 300 (Russian) aircraft so that Russia does not gain air superiority,” President Zelenskiy said.
He also said the fighter jets were needed “for parity” with Russia.
His comments came just weeks after the U.S. Congress finally approved a $61 billion financial aid package for Ukraine after months of political wrangling.
Mr. Zelenskyy called for some assistance to be provided.
“If we had $3 (billion) to install two (Patriot) systems in the Kharkiv region, no bomb would fall on the heads of the military,” he said.
